Mongolia CultureMongolian CultureFor the geographical and economical reason people live in two types of lifestyles - Settlers and Nomads. The Settlers stay in one place and the Nomads move around constantly. Mongolian are traditionally nomad people. Only last 100 years started living as settlers. For that the culture and the people character are widely different. Traditional Symbols and Values Mongolians love horses, cars, trains or anything that involves moving. For that the horses have always played an important role in daily life as well as in traditional arts and crafts. There are countless songs and tales about horses and methods of training them. A Horse often treaded as the most smartest animal and considered friend. There is even a musical instrument dedicated to horse only. It has sound like violin. Ger aka Yurt Ger is the Mongolian traditional home. It is been used for thousands of years since beginning of Nomads. Mongolians love ger. Ger is also called Yurt. The name came from Russia during communist era. Ger has many good futures that suites well with Nomad life. However, in cities where the mobility of Ger no longer needed it become less attractive. Holidays and Festivals People in Mongolia like to celebrate holidays. My favorite holiday is Naadam. Each year on July 11th-13th Mongolians all over the world celebrate National Independence Day. During this time three big sports competitions take place-horse racing, wrestling and archery. Anyone interested can participate (from 8 years old child to 80 years old seniors). In winter Mongolia also celebrate New Year and Xmas all together. On a new year day Santa Clause usually come and give kids presents. Youth and adults like to get together and party all night. In spring Mongolia also celebrate lunar year called Tsagaan Sar (translated white moon). It is usually around the same time with Asian New Year. During this time all the young people visit their elders and wish them long life and exchange presents. It is time for kindness and opportunity to make positive changes in life overall. In summer people like to go for road-trips to country side and visit their relatives. Many people still have one or two nomad relatives in somewhere in Mongolia. Summer in country side is like holiday. Everyone likes to enjoy the good weather and organize their mini festivals. LiteratureFrom Ancient time Mongolia oral literature - legends and tales passed through time to generation to generation. However, the oldest written literature known today are The Secret History of Mongols and the Voyage of Marco Polo. ( written sometimes in 13th-15th century) These are the most closest and accurate description of ancient Mongols you could find in our time. Since that there are many books and literatures found from Mongolia. They are Pyotr Kazlov ( Khara-Khoto in 1909), Geser Haan (epic), Jangar (epic), History of four Oirad's Victory over the Mongols, Khan Kharangyi, Bum Erdene, Altan Tovch by Luvsandanzan, Erdenii Tovch by Sagang Sechen, History of Mongol Borjigin clan by Lomi. During communist era (1911-1990) Mongolian
literature have been heavily influenced by political agendas and
monitored by Mongolian Revolutionary Party. Famous authors of that era
were Dashdorjiin Natsagdorj, Mishgiin Tsedendorj, Ch. Chimed, L.
Vangan, Tangadiin Galsan, O. Dashbalbar, P. Choinom (Hun), Ch
Lodoidamba (Tungalag Tamir, Gariin Tavan Huruu), D.
Maam (Gazar Shoroo), Sh. Natsagdorg (Mandyhai Tsetsen Hatan),
and many more... Since democracy, Mongolia officially allowed a freedom of press and relatively opened its door to different opinions. Today the most influential writer and political system critic of Mongolia is Baabar. His works are equivalent to Micheal Moore, and Bill Maher in US. Drama The oldest Mongolian drama known today, "Moon cuckoo" (Saran khökhöö) was created by Danzanravjaa around 1831. The play got lost in the early 20th century, but in the meantime other theater groups had developed. The first professional Mongolian theater was founded in Ulaanbaatar in 1930. Ch. Lodoidamba (Gariin Tavan Huruu), Mongolia has a very old musical tradition. Key traditional elements are throat-singing, the Morin Khuur (horse head fiddle) and other string instruments, and several types of songs. Mongolian melodies are typically characterized by pentatonic harmonies and long end notes. Later on during in the 20th century, western style classical music has been introduced, and mixed with traditional elements by some composers. The famous musical composer of that time are Jantsannorov, Bjarvaa, Chuluun... Later on the full palette of Pop and Rock music has also been adopted by younger musicians. The popular bands are: Haranga, Kamerton, Har Sarnai, Sarantyja (pop singer), Ariynaa (pop singer)... ArtThe father of Mongolian Art and Sculpture considered Zanabazar. He was a buddist monk later become the held of state. In 15th century Zanabazar had created his most famous sculpture of Mongolian women - Nogoon Dari Eh. In the late 19th century, artist from Communist era Marzan Sharav (Mongolian one day, Lenin), Tsevegjav ( Azraganii zodoon, Ench Irlee, Buur), Sengzohio painters turned to more realistic painting styles. Language Mongolian language is rooted from Ural-Altaic family of languages. This group consist of Finnish, Turkish, Kazak, Uzbek, Korean and Mongolian languages. The alphabets are considered Old and New Mongolian. In Outer Mongolia in 1944 during Russia domination Mongolia changed its official alphabet to Cyrillic. Before that Old Mongolian alphabet used in both Outer Mongolia and Inner Mongolia ( Inner Mongolia is part of China since 1911 and still uses Old Mongolian writing). Return from Mongolia Culture to Canada Mongolia Connection.
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