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 The
Mongolian national festival, Naadam, has been held for at
least two centuries. From ancient times, "the three manly"
skills of the warrior — archery, horseback riding, and
wrestling — were displayed at religious ceremonies honoring
the spirits of the mountains, the rivers, and other natural
phenomena. The summer was also an important time for the meeting
of ancient Mongol chieftains in council (khuriltai).
Today, Naadam has become a national event for all of Mongolia.
Naadam festivals are held all over Mongolia, but the most
important and largest takes place on the open plain on the
outskirts of Ulaanbaatar. A series of contests, performances,
and celebrations are held for three days, from July 11-13.
Women
participate in two of the three "manly" sports. There are women
archers and riders. Although Marco Polo mentions an unbeatable female
wrestler, the daughter of a khan, no women wrestle today. Wrestlers
learn the classic moves like American boys and girls learn basketball
or football techniques. The wrestlers' stance combines the body
posture of a lion with the outstretched arms of the eagle. When
competing, Mongolian wrestlers wear traditional tight-fitting briefs,
a short embroidered jacket, and heavy leather boots. The winners
of regional competitions go on to compete in Ulaanbaatar and are
honored with ancient titles, such as Titan, Lion, Elephant, and
Falcon. After a victory, the winner performs a special dance with
outstretched arms like the eagle.
 Archery
contests for men and women feature the ancient Mongolian composite
bow, made of layers of horn and sinew on a wooden frame. The
bow is short, but has an impressive range and power of penetration.
The archer wears a leather-covered thumb ring to draw the
string back. Contestants compete from a standing position.
This sedate contest little resembles the "rolling fire" of
the Mongol warriors in the days of Chinggis Khan. While the
skill of mounted Mongol archers won them many honors and battles,
their most critical military advantage was their horses.
Horseracing
serves to show the quality of the horse more than the skill of the
rider. At Naadam, children as young as six and up to fifteen years
old race their families' horses. Even though the Mongols invented
the stirrup (giving the advantage of turning and shooting arrows
while riding at full gallop) no stirrups are used in Naadam races.
This prevents the young riders from catching their boots and being
dragged during competition. Some children are tied to the saddle
to ensure their safety. Traditionally, before the race, each child
sings a special song to his or her horse to give its soul courage.
A special praise song is performed at the end of the race to the
top ranking horses and children.
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