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Mongolia Culture and traditions Mongolia

 
 
Area : 604634  sq.mi - Population 2700000 hab.
Mongolia

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Culture and traditions Mongolia

 Traditions and customs

The Mongols have the solid reputation of being very welcoming people, but they are extremely shy, sometimes trying to conceal their embarrassment with a smile. As soon as you leave the main towns, you will need basic information on how to behave in a yurt (called ger by the Mongols). Otherwise you would probably infringe unsuspected interdictions who would make your hosts feel uneasy. You don't just walk right into a ger as in your home, because the Mongols' traditional housing is regulated by innumerable rules, often due to superstition. What seems insignificant to us may be felt as a threat to the Mongols' family harmony and happiness. Here are some examples: remember to roll your sleeves down, your right foot always touches the floor first, and make sure not to trample on the threshold. Once inside, do not stay standing up, sit down where the head of the family showed you to. Special worship is dedicated to fire, avoid, then, stretching your legs out to it and do not throw anything into it. And actually, even after the nomads have broken camp, the Mongols accompanying you would be upset to see you trampling on the ashes. During your adventure, at the height of passes or on some crossroads, remember to stop at the oboos, the cone-shaped mounds made of stone or branches, considered spirit dwellings. The Mongols perform some rituals there, by depositing horse hair or a piece of cloth. Do not show any impatience, as it is necessary to go round them three times before walking on. Finally, you need to know that urinating in water is a sacrilege.

 To read, see, listen

guide

Mongolia. Lonely Planet.


books

"The Secret History of the Mongols", the famous 13th century Mongol chronicle, translated into English.




















movies
music "Mongolia: music of Mongolia", various artists.
"Mongolia, Kazakh songs".