🌾 Rice is part of the way of ASEAN people's life, resulting in "rice culture" which is a "common culture" of ASEAN countries. It is reflected through consumption, agriculture, language, and various beliefs.
The ASEAN Emblem represents a stable, peaceful, united, and dynamic ASEAN. The design was based on rice, the staple food and probably the most important crop for the Southeast Asian people. Since ancient times, rice has been associated with prosperity, welfare, and wealth. This corresponds to the vision of the founding fathers of ASEAN to create a peaceful and prosperous region.
The stalks of padi in the middle of the ASEAN Emblem represent the dream of ASEAN's Founding Fathers for an ASEAN comprising all the countries in Southeast Asia bound together in friendship and solidarity. The circle represents the unity of ASEAN.
Therefore, it shows that in the ASEAN community, the agriculture is the main occupation in this region and the engine of the country's economy. Some countries in ASEAN have designated public holidays to honor farmers and boost their morale, such as:
🇰🇭 Cambodia - The Royal Ploughing Ceremony Day, called “Bon Chroat Preah Nongkoal” in the Khmer language, is solemnly celebrated at the beginning of the sowing and planting season on the 4th day of the 6th lunar month’s waning moon, which is usually in May on the western calendar. This year it falls on May 26, 2024.
🇲🇨 Indonesia - National Peasants' Day in Sulawesi falls on September 24 every year.
🇹🇭 Thailand - The Royal Ploughing Ceremony Day falls on May every year and it is set on the appropriate auspicious date according to the "Royal Calendar". This year it falls on May 10, 2024.
🇻🇳 Vietnam - Formerly Peasants’ Day, Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Foundation Day falls on March 26 every year
🇲🇲 In Myanmar, today is Peasants' Day, a celebration held annually on the 2nd of March to appreciate the hard work and dedication of the peasants and farmers and their contribution to the economic development of the country.
🌱 ASEAN countries have long roots in agriculture. We believe that agriculture is a way of life for ASEAN people. Agriculture is mainly about growing crops and raising animals to produce food for people around the world. ASEAN is considered one of the rice capitals of the world. Agriculture is also an industry that will support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, such as:
Goal 2: Zero Hunger - End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being - Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production - Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Goal 13: Climate Action - Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
Goal 15: Life on Land - Protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
🙏 Let's write a thank you note to farmers.
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