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 Traditions
begin with the home. Nomadic Mongols developed an ingenious
collapsible tent called a ger (Russians used a Turkish
word: yurt). The ger consists of a wooden framework
covered by felt. Felt is made from sheep's wool, which is
beaten and thickened by wetting and rolling. The pieces are
tied on with a rope and can be adjusted for warmth or ventilation.
Mongol
encampments are usually a circle of gers of family and related
individuals. The doorway, which has a brightly colored door, always
faces south. Inside, beautifully carved furniture is arranged with
a Buddhist altar in the back, male items such as saddles on the
left, cooking items used by females on the right, and a hearth in
the middle. After a wedding, the groom sets up his own ger
accompanied by a big celebration. Special food and drinks, along
with words of praise, welcome the guests and the bride to the new
home.
Hospitality
and words of meeting and parting are important in a nomadic culture.
Traditionally the door of a ger was never locked, and a visiting
herdsman could always enter and share the warmth and a cup of tea.
Even today, when people meet, rituals of greeting include exchanging
and admiring snuff bottles. When men exchange snuff bottles, each
sniffs a pinch of the ground tobacco, admires the container, and
returns the heirloom to its owner. On formal occasions blue or white
ritual scarves, called khatag, are given in blessing.
Both
men and women traditionally wear a long robe buttoned on the right
called a deel. It has slits on both sides for riding, and
requires a bright sash wrapped around the waist. Sometimes, for
special occasions, the deel is made from brilliant multicolored
brocade. The sleeves are long to provide protection from the cold.
Silver knives and snuff canister holders for men and milking tools
for women might hang from the sash. In the past wealthy women of
different regions could be identified by their sweeping hairdos
reinforced with extra hair and decorated with coral, silver, and
precious stones. During the Soviet period this traditional dress
was commonly replaced by Western clothing, but it has returned among
rural nomads and for special occasions.
 As
nomads, the Mongols get most of their food from the animals
they herd. They eat a lot of meat roasted or boiled over fires
fueled by dried animal dung. Milk is drunk in tea, and mare's
milk is fermented into a slightly alcoholic yogurt-like drink.
Milk from cows and sheep is used for making butter and cheese.
Flour for noodles is obtained from Mongolian and Chinese farmers.
In
addition to food, the five domesticated animals — sheep, goats,
cattle, camels, and horses — provide all the necessities of
life: transportation, clothing, and shelter. Dung is gathered and
dried in lieu of wood for heat and cooking.
Horses
are important to Mongolians, who have many stories and songs about
famous beloved horses. The Chinese traded silk for horses and for
many centuries were militarily weaker than their mounted northern
neighbors. Horse trading is an important focus of festivals, and
horse racing is a test of the horse as much as the rider.
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