Customs & traditions

Customs and Traditions of Mongolia

Mongolia’s customs and traditions are deeply rooted in its nomadic heritage, spiritual beliefs, and centuries-old practices that have been passed down through generations. From their warm hospitality to unique rituals, these customs showcase the rich cultural tapestry of this fascinating country. Below is an exploration of Mongolia’s most distinctive customs and traditions.

1. Hospitality: The Heart of Mongolian Culture

Hospitality is a cornerstone of Mongolian culture. Visitors are always welcomed warmly, whether in a bustling city or a remote ger in the steppe.

• Open Ger Doors: Nomadic families traditionally keep their doors open to travelers, symbolizing trust and generosity. Guests are offered food, drink, and shelter, even if they are strangers.

• Sharing Food: Visitors are often served suutei tsai (salty milk tea) and airag (fermented mare’s milk). Refusing hospitality is considered impolite.

Custom: When receiving or offering something, always use your right hand or both hands, as this is a sign of respect.

2. Naadam Festival: Celebrating Nomadic Heritage

The Naadam Festival is Mongolia’s most celebrated tradition, showcasing its “Three Manly Sports”:

• Wrestling (Bökh): Wrestlers wear unique outfits, and matches are accompanied by traditional songs and dances.

• Horse Racing (Morin Uurga): Young jockeys, some as young as five, ride across vast distances to test the endurance of horses.

• Archery (Sur Kharvaa): Competitors use traditional bows to shoot at targets with remarkable precision.

Tradition: Before each wrestling match, athletes perform an eagle dance to honor the sky and the spirits.

3. Tsagaan Sar (White Moon): Lunar New Year Celebration

Mongolia’s Lunar New Year is a time of renewal, family gatherings, and blessings for prosperity.

• Families clean their homes, wear new clothes, and prepare symbolic dishes like buuz (steamed dumplings).

• Younger people greet elders with a respectful gesture called zolgokh, offering blessings for the year ahead.

• Guests are served white foods, symbolizing purity and renewal.

Custom: During Tsagaan Sar, the first visitor to the home is considered significant, as they are believed to bring fortune for the year.

4. Spiritual Beliefs: Shamanism and Buddhism

Mongolian customs are deeply intertwined with spirituality, primarily Shamanism and Tibetan Buddhism.

• Ovoos: These sacred stone cairns are found on mountain passes and hills. Travelers add stones or offerings to honor spirits and seek blessings for safe journeys.

• Rituals: Buddhist monks conduct ceremonies for protection, healing, and good fortune, often involving prayer flags, incense, and chanting.

• Sky Worship: Many nomads honor the eternal blue sky (Tenger) and believe it connects all living beings.

Custom: When passing an ovoo, it is customary to circle it three times clockwise and make a small offering, such as a coin, milk, or vodka.

5. Weddings: A Symbol of Unity

Mongolian weddings blend traditional rituals with modern influences.

• Arranged Marriages: Historically, marriages were arranged by families to strengthen alliances. Today, love marriages are more common.

• Ceremony: The couple wears traditional deel adorned with intricate patterns. A respected elder blesses the union with milk or airag.

• Gift Exchange: Families exchange symbolic gifts, such as livestock or khadag (ceremonial scarves).

6. Nomadic Etiquette: Respecting the Nomadic Way of Life

Living in harmony with nature is central to Mongolian nomadism, and certain customs reflect this respect:

• Ger Etiquette: When entering a ger, always move to the left (clockwise) and avoid stepping on the threshold.

• Animal Care: Nomads have deep respect for their livestock. Horses are especially revered, symbolizing strength and freedom.

• Fire Rituals: The central stove in the ger is sacred. Never throw trash or step over it, as it represents the hearth and family unity.

Custom: When offering a drink, lightly touch your elbow to show humility and respect.

7. Festivals and Celebrations

Mongolians celebrate numerous festivals that reflect their heritage and connection to nature:

• Golden Eagle Festival: Held in the Altai Mountains, this event showcases the ancient art of eagle hunting, with hunters demonstrating their skills in falconry.

• Camel Festival: Celebrated in the Gobi Desert, it includes camel races, beauty contests, and cultural performances.

Custom: During festivals, Mongolians often wear their finest traditional deel, with regional patterns and colors representing their origins.

8. Food Traditions

Mongolian cuisine reflects its nomadic roots, with dishes focused on meat and dairy:

• Offering the First Bite: During meals, the first portion of food is often offered to the spirits or ancestors.

• Khorkhog and Boodog: Unique cooking methods involve heating stones and placing them inside a goat or sheep carcass for roasting.

Custom: Guests are always served the best portion of food, such as the meat closest to the bone, to show honor and generosity.

9. Family and Community Values

Mongolian society places great emphasis on family and community:

• Elders: Respected as the keepers of wisdom and tradition. Younger generations seek their guidance and blessings.

• Shared Responsibilities: Families work together to care for livestock, build gers, and celebrate milestones.

Custom: During conversations, avoid speaking loudly or interrupting, as it’s seen as disrespectful.

10. Traditional Music and Arts

Mongolian culture is rich in unique musical and artistic traditions:

• Throat Singing (Khoomei): A mesmerizing style where singers produce multiple tones simultaneously.

• Morin Khuur: The horsehead fiddle is a beloved national instrument, often played during ceremonies and celebrations.

• Embroidery and Crafts: Traditional deel and other textiles feature intricate patterns inspired by nature and spirituality.

Custom: Music and storytelling are central to gatherings, often shared around the stove in the ger.

Mongolia’s customs and traditions reflect a harmonious balance between its nomadic past and spiritual beliefs. Whether you’re sipping milk tea in a ger, witnessing a festival, or learning about the symbolic rituals, Mongolian culture offers a profound and immersive experience.