Mongol nomad migration and its associated practices
Title
Mongol nomad migration and its associated practices
Alternative Title
Монгол нүүдлийн зан үйл
Publication Type
Language
eng
Location
Mongolia
Keywords
Nomads
Migration
Traditional practices
Mongol
Relevance to ICH Safeguarding
Description
From ancient times, Mongolians have migrated throughout four seasons of the year. Mongolian nomad migrations are organized as follows: migrating with blood relatives, by neighbor association, with strangers, following wealthy families, etc. The day of relocation and the place of settling will be determined in advance. Preparation for moving consists of many customs, such as Moving: When disassembling or raising the ger (yurt, traditional dwelling), the walls should be taken down or raised in a circle, from left to right, following the movement of the sun, the same with the covers and ropes. The upper frame of the ger should not be moved from the settlement site until everything is loaded. During loading, animals, loaded or not, are not allowed to walk over the loaded settlement site. Horses go in front of the caravan, and other animals follow behind. Feasting: If the family is planning to travel a long distance, they invite their neighbors to have a farewell tea and announce where they are going, with wishes to settle together again. People on the way to travel, whether you know them or not, show respect to the family traveling and will greet them with fresh beverages and food. Setting the base: The head of the family comes first to the new settlement site, chooses the site for the ger, and performs the ritual of laying the three cornerstones. The site for settlement is usually a raised area. The owner takes the saddle of his horse and places it on the southeast side of the site. The family will land in a new place and offer food and tea to nature. When moving again from the site, one of the east or southwest side cornerstones will be moved from the base to the direction of movement. It was customary to carry the cornerstone when migrating to another province. The heritage element “Mongolian nomadic tradition of migrating to a new pasture” is registered in the “Traditional festivals, rituals, customs, games, and chants” domain of the National Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Mongolia.
Publisher
National Center for Cultural Heritage
Place of Publication
Mongolia
Date of Publication
2023
Academic Field
heritage management
Community/Ethnic Group
Mongolia
Active Contribution
Mongolia, FY 2024