7 Golden Trays

Preah Reach Pithi Bonn Chrot Preah Neangkol is one of the most significant ceremonies in Cambodia. The ritual is an ancient royal rite which marks the beginning of the rice-growing season. For three days two royal oxen plough a rice field three times as seeds are sown. At the end of the ploughing procession, the royal oxen are then released of their harnesses and led to the seven golden trays. On the trays lie rice, corn, sesame seeds, soy, grass, water and alcohol respectively, each of which symbolizes a different prediction for the future. The Khmer people have a strong faith and belief that the royal oxen have an important role in determining the fate of agricultural harvest in Cambodia. It is believed that the oxen foresee a range of events including good harvests, epidemics, excessive rainfall, and violent crimes based on their choices of what to eat and drink.

In this cooperative game, players work together to collect and trade cards in an effort to influence how much of each item the oxen will eat or drink. Players have three rounds in which to empty one of the golden trays containing rice, sesame, soy, or corn or they lose the game and the Khmer people will be stricken with famine, flood, or crime!