Historical Encyclopedia
Mongolia is a country with an ancient culture and a rich history that has developed over many centuries. The national traditions and customs of the Mongolian people reflect their unique lifestyle, commitment to ancient cultural roots, and close connection with nature. The pastoral lifestyle, nomadic way of life, and reverence for nature have formed the basis for many customs and rituals that remain an integral part of the everyday life of Mongolians today. In this article, we will explore some of the key traditions and customs that are preserved to this day.
Mongolia has long been famous for its endless steppes and harsh natural conditions. The traditional nomadic lifestyle of the Mongols has been adapted to these conditions, enabling survival for thousands of years. Nomads traditionally live in gers—round tents made of felt and wood, which can be easily assembled and disassembled when moving is necessary. Gers provide good insulation in winter and coolness in summer.
Nomadic families often move across the steppes in search of better pastures for their livestock, which includes sheep, goats, cows, camels, and horses. Mutual assistance and support among nomads is an important part of their life, allowing them to survive in the harshness of nature.
Hospitality is one of the most important traits of the Mongolian people. Any traveler, whether familiar or a stranger, can expect a warm welcome in a ger. Traditionally, a guest must bow three times to the hosts before entering the ger. After that, they are invited inside and offered various treats.
Guests are most often treated to traditional dishes such as aruul (dried curds), airag (fermented mare's milk), and boortsog (fried dough). Airag is considered an integral part of Mongolian culture and symbolizes friendliness and hospitality. According to tradition, refusing the offered treat can be perceived as disrespect.
Naadam is one of the main holidays in Mongolia, celebrated annually in July. Naadam, also known as "Eriin Gurvan Naadam" or "Three Manly Games," includes three types of competitions: wrestling, archery, and horse racing. These competitions symbolize strength, endurance, and accuracy, which are highly valued in Mongolian society.
The festival has its roots in ancient times when similar competitions were held to prepare warriors for battles and to entertain the nomadic people. Today, Naadam is a national holiday and a symbol of cultural unity in Mongolia, attracting both locals and tourists from around the world.
For Mongolians, nature is a source of life, and respect for it is an important part of national traditions. Since ancient times, Mongolians have revered mountains, rivers, and steppes as sacred, believing that they are homes of spirits. One such custom is the worship of Ovoo—stone heaps that can be found on hills and mountain passes.
Before crossing a pass or embarking on a long journey, Mongolians stop at an Ovoo to perform a ritual to offer to the spirits. This usually involves throwing stones, tying colored ribbons, and pouring milk or airag. This ritual symbolizes a request for protection and well-being on the journey.
Mongolian cuisine reflects the nomadic lifestyle and is based on meat and dairy products. Traditional dishes include buuz (meat dumplings), huushuur (fried pastries with meat filling), and tsuivan (fried noodles with meat). Most dishes are prepared from mutton, beef, or goat meat.
Dairy products also play an important role in the diet of Mongolians. In addition to airag, various types of cheese, yogurt, and dried curds are popular. In winter, when livestock does not provide milk, nomads stock up on dried products to survive the cold months.
The horse plays a central role in the lives of Mongolians. From an early age, children learn to ride, and by the age of ten, many of them are already experienced riders. Horse racing is an important part of the culture, with both boys and girls often competing in these contests during the Naadam festival.
Mongolians believe that a horse is not just a means of transportation, but also a friend that helps to survive in the harsh conditions of the steppes. Horses are respected and cared for, and their upkeep is associated with special rituals. For instance, there is a custom of releasing horses to the wild in spring after a long winter, symbolizing gratitude for their assistance.
An important part of Mongolian culture consists of rituals associated with life's stages, such as birth, marriage, and funerals. For example, the ritual of khadak involves presenting a colored silk ribbon as a symbol of respect and blessing. Khadak is usually given upon meeting respected individuals, during weddings, and religious ceremonies.
A traditional Mongolian wedding is a colorful ritual that includes many customs and symbols. It begins with a betrothal ritual, followed by a ceremony of gift exchange between families, and finally, the wedding feast. The bride's wedding dress is adorned with national patterns and symbolizes her belonging to the Mongolian people.
Although Buddhism is the dominant religion in Mongolia, many traditions and customs preserve elements of ancient shamanistic beliefs. Buddhist monasteries and temples play an important role in the lives of Mongolians, and religious holidays, such as Tsagaan Sar (Lunar New Year), are accompanied by numerous rituals and ceremonies.
During Tsagaan Sar, Mongolians gather with their families to celebrate the New Year, express respect to elders, and pray for well-being in the coming year. Traditionally, before the holiday, a thorough cleaning of the house is done to welcome the New Year in cleanliness and good intentions.
The national traditions and customs of Mongolia reflect its rich cultural history and nomadic way of life. Despite modern development and urbanization, Mongolians continue to preserve their ancient customs and values, passing them down from generation to generation. These traditions allow Mongolians to maintain their identity and connection to nature, making their culture unique and original.