Less Rain, More Bugs Predicted for Year of the Horse

  • Kong Sothanarith
    VOA Khmer

A local offers her money to the Buddha statue as praying during Khmer New Year on Monday, April 14, 2014, in downtown Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Throughout Cambodia, Khmers are holding ceremonies in preparation for the coming New Year's celebration which lasts for three days, from April 14 through 16 this year. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

As Cambodia began three days of New Year’s celebrations for the Year of the Horse on Monday, Im Borin, a fortuneteller and deputy secretary-general of the National and International Day Committee, predicts “no armed conflicts” in the ongoing political dispute between the ruling party and the opposition.

Cambodians have deep traditions steeped in animism, astrology and folktales, and many take such predictions very seriously, especially at the onset of a new year.

Im Borin predicted less rain than last year, with about 400 storms, and better agriculture in the lowlands than in the highlands. Insects will be a nuisance this year, he predicted, and the rivers will be higher.

Those born during the years of Rat, Ox, Horse, Rabbit and Rooster will have an inauspicious year, he said. Those born in the years of Pig, Tiger, Dragon, Snake, Goat and Monkey should fare better.