Discovering the Unique and Rich Mongolia Culture: A Journey Through Traditions and Customs
Mongolia is a land of untold legends, fascinating traditions, and unique customs. This rich and fascinating culture offers a wealth of insight into the lives of a people who lived on the vast and open spaces of the Mongolian steppes for centuries. Throughout history, the people of Mongolia have shown ingenuity to adapt to the harsh environments, this can be seen in their customs and traditions that have enabled them to thrive in the face of many challenges over the centuries. Here is a journey through some of the unique and rich customs and traditions of Mongolia that contribute to the country’s captivating culture.
The Nomadic Culture of Mongolia
One of the most defining elements of traditional Mongolian culture is the nomadic lifestyle of its people. Many Mongolians still live in”gers,” portable felt tents, and move from place to place following their herds of livestock. This nomadic lifestyle has profoundly influenced Mongolian customs and traditions, from their diet and clothing to their spiritual and cultural practices.
The nomadic lifestyle gives the people of Mongolia a unique relationship with the land, the environment, and the animals they rely on for their livelihood. It’s a connection that shapes their culture and traditions, from the way they herd their animals to the way they prepare their traditional foods. Mongolian people believe in maintaining the balance between man, nature, and the environment, which is reflected in their animal husbandry practices and respect for the environment.
The Time-Honored Tradition of Naadam Festival
Naadam festival is the biggest celebration in Mongolia, a three-day event that has been taking place for over 800 years. This festival is held to celebrate the country’s independence and its rich cultural heritage. The festival is an occasion for Mongolian people to showcase their skills in the “Three Manly Sports” of Mongolia: horse racing, archery, and wrestling.
Horse racing is a significant part of Naadam, unlike in other horse racing events, where the jockeys are adults, Mongolian horse racing involves children, aged between five and thirteen. The horses run up to 30 kilometers, and the first five horses to cross the finish line are prized. Archery is another significant sport that Mongolians have inherited from their ancestors. The bow used in the competition is smaller than other bows, and the target is made of leather wrapped around woven reeds. Mongolian wrestling, knwon as “Bokh”, is the final competition of the festival. It is a fierce and physical contest in which over a thousand wrestlers of all ages take part.
Mongolian Traditional Foods
Mongolian cuisine is unique and reflects the country’s nomadic heritage and harsh environment. The traditional Mongolian diet relied heavily on animal products, which were considered necessary for survival in the cold and arid climate. Meat dishes are predominant in Mongolian cuisine and are cooked in a variety of ways, including boiling, frying or sometimes raw. Horse meat, mutton, and beef are popular, as well as smaller game meat such as rabbit and fox.
Milk and dairy products such as airag (fermented mare’s milk) and tsagaan idee (dried curds) are also essential components of the traditional Mongolian diet. They are a staple food and contain valuable nutrients that make them an important part of the nomadic diet.
The Traditional Felt Craftsmanship
Another traditional skill mastered by the Mongolian people is making felt. Felt making is essential for nomads as it creates habitat in the form of the “ger,” and insulation for the cold steppes. Mongolian herders use wool from their own animals to create thick and sturdy felt fabrics that are used for various purposes. These fabrics are created through a laborious process of wetting and pressing wool fibers together to form a dense, resilient material.
The felting process also allows for intricate artistry, and Mongolians have long been known for their high-quality felt products. From clothing and footwear to home decorations, intricate designs are created using patterns and colors from nature, reflecting the close connection with the environment.
Conclusion
Mongolian society’s underlying values are respect for nature, the environment, and the animals, which are reflected in their rich and unique cultural heritage. The Mongolian culture continues to fascinate and intrigue the world through its customs, traditions, and lifestyle. The customs and traditions of the Mongolian people are interwoven into their daily lives, creating a close-knit and beautiful cultural tapestry that is an integral part of Mongolia’s national identity. Discovering the culture of Mongolia is an unforgettable journey that offers an alternative view of life and an insight into a way of life that is intertwined with nature and the environment.
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