S9 1960 The Royal Ploughing Ceremony

Issued on May 14th, 1960, this milestone three-stamp series ( in 1 Riel magenta, 2 Riels brown, and 3 Riels bluish-green ) marks the first philatelic release dedicated to the ancient Royal Ploughing Ceremony of Cambodia. Celebrating the sacred rite that honours the start of the rice-planting season, the design depicts the ceremonial ploughing where sacred oxen are offered grains to forecast the upcoming harvest. Grounded in royal patronage, Buddhist blessings, and Cambodia’s deep agricultural roots, this 1960 set stands as a vibrant visual tribute to a living tradition that continues to unify the nation today.