Customs and traditions
According to Abbreviationfinder, the Mongolian identity is strongly influenced by the historical liver of the population as nomads. In the outer areas of the cities, the nomadic traditional gifts, round tents made of wood and blankets, often spread. Likewise, many traditions and customs are based on the heyday of Dijngi khan and the vast distance of the sparsely populated country. A guest is normally a person who has traveled a long way and is in need of both food and roof over his head.
The usual thing is to take care when greeting. People who are a little closer, like family and friends, hug. Younger Mongols greet with an informal sainu (hello). When they greet older people, or older people who greet each other, is the more formal sain baina u usually used ? When you say goodbye, you also take in hand.
- Countryaah: Overview of the capital city of Mongolia, including information about its population, economy, geography, history and map.
Mongols look each other straight in the eye as they talk to each other. If you point, you do it with your whole hand.
Everyday, most Mongols dress up as Westerners. However, the traditional, richly embroidered and colorful costume part, a long suit made of silk, is owned by each man and woman.
The usual thing is that a family eats three meals a day. Dinner is usually served after six o’clock in the evening. The food culture is influenced by the large supply of sheep and goats in the country. Meat and milk products are basic foods. The food is usually simple and free from stronger spices. Meat-stuffed dumplings, fried meat pies and mutton soup are everyday foods, as are large amounts of milk, preferably mixed with salt and some butter. When guests come to visit, one of the herd’s largest animals may be slaughtered. There is rarely a lack of vodka at solemn dinners.
Traditions and holidays
Most important is the traditional Mongolian midsummer celebration naadam (“Three games for men) which falls on July 11-13. The festival has over 2,300 years on its neck. Every day you compete in one of the three sports wrestling, archery and horse racing. The competitions are surrounded by several traditions with many ceremonial and some religious elements. The horse races are different from the other two branches to the extent that the competitors are children between 7 and 12 years old.
Formally, the autonomy that Mongolia regained in 1921, after the occupation of China the year before, is officially noted. Independence is also celebrated on November 26, in memory of Mongolia becoming an independent monarchy during the Living Buddha in 1911 (see Ancient History).
The Mongolian lunar calendar’s New Year tsagaan sar (“White Moon”) is celebrated in January or February. The weekend falls two months after the first new moon after the winter solstice. Preparations for the festivities are a long time in advance. On the very day, the family dresses up in traditional clothing and meets at home to eat and drink together. During the day, the very formal greeting phrase amar mend uu is generally used? or amar bain uu? which is normally used to greet a family’s oldest head. During the celebration it is also competed in horse racing. The celebration is said to stem from as long as the Bronze Age.
According to Countryaah, the New Year’s Day, January 1, is also a holiday, as is the International Women’s Day on March 8 and Children’s and Mothers Day on June 1.
2012
December
MPRP threatens to drop out
MPRP threatens to leave government coalition in protest against Enchbajar’s prison sentence.
August
Enchbajar is sentenced to prison
Nambaryn Enchbajar is sentenced to four years in prison for corruption.
June
DP wins the election
At the parliamentary elections, the voting bill will drag out over time, but in the end it is clear that DP has received 31 seats and MPP 25. DP will eventually form a government together with the Justice Coalition (see Current Policy). The Prime Minister will be Norovyn Altanchujag.
Enchbajar is prosecuted
Enchbajar is facing charges of corruption and abuse of power. Enchbajar claims that the prosecution is politically motivated.
May
New law on foreign ownership
Parliament adopts a new law that limits foreign ownership of “strategic industries” for the country to 49 percent of the shares.
April
Coal extraction is put on ice
The agreement with foreign energy companies on the exploitation of the Tavan Tolgoj deposit is on ice.
Enchbajar is arrested for corruption
Former President Nambaryn Enchbajar is arrested for corruption. He is released on bail after a hunger strike.
January
New law on the death penalty
Parliament votes on a law that restricts the use of capital punishment.
The Democratic Party leaves cooperation
The Democratic Party (DP) is leaving government cooperation with the Mongolian People’s Party (MPP) to prepare for the June parliamentary elections.