Celebrate Mongolian New Year 2017 with traditional music, dance, and food. Learn about the unique customs and rituals of this ancient holiday.
Well folks, it's that time of year again. The time when Mongolians all over the world come together to celebrate their New Year. I know what you're thinking: Another New Year? Didn't we just have one? And while it may seem like we just toasted to 2017 a few short weeks ago, the Mongolian New Year, also known as Tsagaan Sar, is something special. So sit back, relax, and let me tell you all about it.
First things first, let's talk about the date. Unlike the Western New Year, which falls on January 1st every year, the Mongolian New Year is based on the lunar calendar. This means that the date changes from year to year. In 2017, Tsagaan Sar falls on February 27th. That's right, folks, you still have some time to get your party hats ready!
Now, let's move on to the festivities themselves. Tsagaan Sar is a time for family, friends, and food. Lots and lots of food. Traditional Mongolian dishes such as buuz (steamed dumplings), khuushuur (fried dough filled with meat), and aaruul (dried curd) are typically served. And let me tell you, if you haven't tried Mongolian cuisine before, you are missing out.
But Tsagaan Sar isn't just about stuffing your face. It's also a time for honoring the past and looking towards the future. Families will often visit the graves of their ancestors to pay their respects and leave offerings. They will also exchange gifts and well-wishes for the coming year.
One of the most unique aspects of Tsagaan Sar is the clothing. Mongolians will dress in their finest traditional attire, which includes dels (long robes), hats, and boots. The colors of the clothing are also significant. White is the most common color, as it represents purity and new beginnings.
Now, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. You may be wondering what kind of shenanigans Mongolians get up to during their New Year. Well, let me tell you, things can get pretty wild. Drinking games are popular, and it's not uncommon to see people dancing and singing late into the night. But don't worry, it's all in good fun.
Of course, with any holiday comes certain traditions and superstitions. For instance, it's believed that if the first person to enter your home during Tsagaan Sar is tall and dark, it's a bad omen. It's also important to avoid breaking anything during the festivities, as it could bring bad luck for the coming year.
But perhaps my favorite tradition of all is the shagai game. This involves using sheep anklebones (shagai) to predict the future. The bones are rolled like dice, and depending on how they land, different fortunes are revealed. It's a fun way to add a little excitement to the holiday.
As you can see, Tsagaan Sar is a truly unique celebration. It's a time to come together with loved ones, honor the past, and welcome the future. So whether you're a seasoned Mongolian New Year veteran or a first-timer, grab a plate of buuz and join in on the fun. Happy Tsagaan Sar, everyone!
Greetings from the Mongolian New Year!
As the year 2017 dawns upon us, the people of Mongolia are gearing up to celebrate the Mongolian New Year or Tsagaan Sar. This unique festival is celebrated in the coldest part of the year and is filled with traditions and customs that are sure to leave you amazed.
The Coldest Celebration
Yes, you heard that right! Mongolians celebrate their New Year in the middle of winter when temperatures can drop to as low as -40°C! But that doesn't stop them from stepping out in their finest traditional attire to welcome the new year with open arms.
Family First
The Mongolian New Year is a time for families to come together and celebrate. It's a time for reunions, catching up on old times and strengthening the bonds of kinship. So, if you're invited to a Mongolian household during Tsagaan Sar, be prepared to be treated like family!
The Feast
The centerpiece of every Mongolian New Year celebration is the feast or 'Khorkhog'. This traditional dish is made by cooking meat (usually mutton) with hot stones in a metal container until it's tender and juicy. The meat is then served with vegetables and a side of homemade vodka or 'arkhi'.
The Gifting Tradition
Tsagaan Sar is also a time for exchanging gifts. Mongolians give each other small gifts such as candy, socks, and gloves as a sign of goodwill and respect. But the most prized gift of all is the 'khadag', a ceremonial scarf that is blessed by a Buddhist monk and given as a symbol of good luck and fortune.
The Big Clean Up
Mongolians have a unique tradition of cleaning their homes before the New Year. It's believed that cleaning the house rids it of any bad luck from the previous year and makes way for good luck in the coming year. So, if you're visiting Mongolia during Tsagaan Sar, be prepared to help with the cleaning!
The Camel Race
One of the most exciting events during the Mongolian New Year is the camel race. Yes, you heard that right! Mongolians race camels across the frozen steppe as part of the festivities. It's a sight you won't want to miss!
The Ice Festival
Another highlight of the Mongolian New Year is the Ice Festival. This festival takes place on the frozen Lake Khovsgol and features ice sculptures, traditional games, and horse racing. It's a great way to experience the local culture and have fun at the same time!
The Horse Racing
Mongolians are famous for their horsemanship skills and the Mongolian New Year is a time to showcase these skills. Horse races are held across the country during Tsagaan Sar and are a great way to see the beautiful Mongolian landscape.
The Traditional Attire
Mongolians take great pride in their traditional attire and wear it with pride during the New Year celebrations. Men wear a 'deel', a long robe made of silk or cotton and women wear a 'delguur', a dress made of silk or brocade. You'll be amazed at the intricate designs and vibrant colors!
The Closing Ceremony
As the festivities come to a close, Mongolians gather to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one. They light candles and incense as a symbol of respect for their ancestors and make wishes for the coming year. It's a beautiful way to end the celebrations and start afresh.
So, there you have it, folks! The Mongolian New Year is a celebration like no other and is sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. If you ever get the chance to experience Tsagaan Sar, take it without hesitation!
Snow problem: Celebrating the Lunar New Year in Mongolia
Get ready to bundle up, folks, because Mongolian New Year is just around the corner. Known locally as Tsagaan Sar, this holiday falls on the first day of the lunar calendar and is celebrated throughout the country with feasting, family reunions, and lots and lots of vodka. If you're lucky enough to be in Mongolia during this time, here's what you can expect:
Cheers to a year of good luck (and a lot of vodka)
First things first: the booze. Mongolians take their drinking seriously, and Tsagaan Sar is no exception. Expect to be offered shots of vodka at every turn, and if you're feeling brave, try your hand at wrestling your host after a few rounds. It's tradition, we swear.
The real reason why we wear hats in winter? It's for the New Year's parade
One of the highlights of Tsagaan Sar is the parade, where locals don traditional costumes and hats made of fox fur, felt, or even eagle feathers. The hats aren't just for show, though - they keep us warm during the freezing Mongolian winters. Plus, they look pretty badass.
Step aside, Thanksgiving: Mongolian New Year is the ultimate family reunion
Tsagaan Sar is all about family, and that means traveling far and wide to visit relatives. Expect to spend hours on end eating, drinking, and catching up with family members you haven't seen in years. Think of it as a giant family reunion, but with more sheep meat.
Red underwear, check. Sheep ankle bones, check. We're ready for the New Year's divination ceremony
One of the most fascinating parts of Tsagaan Sar is the divination ceremony, where families consult with a shaman to predict their fortunes for the coming year. This involves throwing sheep ankle bones, reading the patterns they make, and interpreting what they mean. Oh, and don't forget to wear red underwear for good luck.
Who needs Times Square? Watch the fireworks in -10 degrees Celsius like a true warrior
If you're used to watching New Year's fireworks in a warm, cozy room, think again. In Mongolia, we celebrate in style - that means bundling up and braving the freezing temperatures to watch the fireworks display. Trust us, it's worth it.
Surviving the Lunar New Year in Mongolia: A beginner's guide
If you're a newcomer to Tsagaan Sar, don't panic. We've got you covered. First, dress warmly. Second, bring gifts for your hosts (traditionally, this means dairy products or sweets). Third, pace yourself with the vodka. And finally, be prepared for a lot of food - especially roasted whole sheep, which is a staple of the holiday.
Think turkey's the star of the show? Wait until you see our roasted whole sheep
Speaking of roasted whole sheep, this is the pièce de résistance of Tsagaan Sar. Imagine succulent, tender meat that falls off the bone, seasoned with traditional Mongolian spices and served with a side of homemade dumplings. It's enough to make any carnivore weak at the knees.
New Year's resolutions? Nah, we'll stick to our traditional Mongolian zodiac signs
While Westerners may be all about making New Year's resolutions, we Mongolians stick to our roots. That means consulting the traditional zodiac signs to predict our fortunes for the coming year. Will it be a year of prosperity, or a year of challenges? Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure - with good food, good drink, and good company, we're ready for whatever comes our way.
Mongolian New Year 2017: A Festive Celebration
Preparing for the Festivities
As the year 2016 came to an end, people in Mongolia were gearing up for their biggest celebration of the year – Tsagaan Sar or the Mongolian New Year. The preparations for this festival start weeks in advance and involve a lot of cleaning, cooking, and shopping. Families decorate their homes with traditional ornaments and cook large quantities of food to offer to guests who visit them during the three-day-long festival.
- House cleaning
- Decorating houses with traditional ornaments
- Cooking large quantities of food
Welcoming the New Year
The first day of Tsagaan Sar marks the official beginning of the Mongolian New Year. On this day, families gather together to perform a traditional ritual called 'zolgokh' which involves offering food and drink to their ancestors. They also exchange gifts and well-wishes with each other and extend invitations to visit their homes over the next two days.
On the second day, the focus is on visiting friends and relatives. People dress up in traditional attire and bring gifts and food as they visit each other's homes. It's customary to offer dairy products and meat dishes to guests, and many people also indulge in drinking fermented horse milk or 'airag'.
The last day of Tsagaan Sar is reserved for rest and relaxation. Many people visit monasteries to offer prayers and seek blessings for the new year. Others spend the day with their families and enjoy a leisurely meal together.
- 'Zolgokh' ritual
- Gift exchange and well-wishes
- Visiting friends and relatives
- Eating dairy products and meat dishes
- Drinking fermented horse milk or 'airag'
- Visiting monasteries to offer prayers
A Humorous Take on Tsagaan Sar
The Mongolian New Year is a time of joy and celebration, but it can also be a bit overwhelming for some. The endless rounds of food and drink, the constant flow of guests, and the pressure to dress up and look your best can take a toll on even the most festive of souls.
But fear not, for there are ways to survive Tsagaan Sar with your sanity intact. Here are a few tips:
- Wear stretchy pants – You'll thank us later.
- Practice your chopstick skills – Mongolian cuisine is delicious, but it can be tricky to eat with chopsticks if you're not used to it.
- Stock up on airag – It's an acquired taste, but once you get used to it, you'll never want to go back to regular milk.
- Learn a few phrases in Mongolian – It will impress your hosts and make for good conversation starters.
- Take naps whenever possible – You'll need all the energy you can get to keep up with the festivities.
So, there you have it – a humorous take on the Mongolian New Year. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a first-time visitor, Tsagaan Sar is an experience like no other. So, embrace the festivities, indulge in the food and drink, and above all, have fun!
Keywords:
Tsagaan Sar, Mongolian New Year, zolgokh ritual, fermented horse milk, airag, monasteries, chopstick skills, Mongolian cuisine
Farewell and Happy Mongolian New Year 2017!
Greetings, dear readers! As we come to the end of this blog post about Mongolian New Year 2017, I hope you have learned a lot about this exciting celebration. It's been an honor to share with you some of the rich traditions and customs that make this holiday so special to the people of Mongolia.
Whether you're planning to visit Mongolia during the Lunar New Year or simply want to learn more about this unique culture, I hope this article has given you a glimpse into the fascinating world of Mongolian traditions. From the colorful costumes to the delicious food and drink, there is so much to love about this incredible holiday.
As we say goodbye for now, I'd like to leave you with a few final thoughts about Mongolian New Year 2017. First and foremost, remember to embrace the spirit of this holiday with an open heart and an adventurous spirit. Whether you're trying new foods, participating in traditional games, or simply spending time with loved ones, this is a time to celebrate life and all its joys.
Secondly, don't be afraid to get a little bit silly! Mongolian New Year is a time for laughter and joy, so let your hair down and enjoy yourself. Whether you're wearing a fun costume or trying out some traditional dance moves, don't take yourself too seriously and have fun with it!
Finally, remember that Mongolian New Year is a time to come together and celebrate as a community. Whether you're with family, friends, or strangers, use this holiday as an opportunity to connect with others and build relationships that will last a lifetime.
So there you have it - my closing thoughts on Mongolian New Year 2017. I hope you've enjoyed reading about this amazing holiday as much as I've enjoyed writing about it. And who knows, maybe you'll be inspired to take a trip to Mongolia and experience the magic of Lunar New Year for yourself!
Once again, thank you for visiting my blog and learning more about Mongolian culture. I hope you'll come back soon for more exciting insights and stories from around the world. Until then, farewell and happy Mongolian New Year 2017!
What Do People Really Want to Know About Mongolian New Year 2017?
1. What is Mongolian New Year?
Mongolian New Year, also known as Tsagaan Sar, is the most important festival for Mongolians. It typically falls in late January or early February and marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring.
2. How do Mongolians celebrate Tsagaan Sar?
Oh boy, where do I start? Mongolians go all out during Tsagaan Sar. They dress up in traditional clothes, exchange gifts, visit relatives, and eat a lot of food. And by a lot, I mean A LOT. They even have specific dishes that are only served during Tsagaan Sar. So if you're planning on celebrating it, make sure to bring your appetite!
3. What's the deal with the white foods?
During Tsagaan Sar, Mongolians eat a lot of white foods like milk tea, yogurt, and cheese. Why? Because white symbolizes purity and new beginnings. Plus, it's just fun to see how many different ways you can eat dairy products.
4. Is there anything I should know before visiting Mongolia during Tsagaan Sar?
Yes, definitely. First of all, be prepared for the cold. Mongolia is already pretty chilly, but during Tsagaan Sar, it's even colder. Second, don't be surprised if everything shuts down. Tsagaan Sar is a national holiday, so most businesses will be closed for several days. Third, be ready to drink a lot of vodka. It's a staple during the holiday, so don't be shy about joining in on the toasts.
5. Can I celebrate Tsagaan Sar even if I'm not Mongolian?
Absolutely! Mongolians are some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet, and they love sharing their culture with others. Just make sure to dress appropriately (traditional clothes are always a hit) and be respectful of their customs.
Experience the Cultural Richness of Mongolian New Year 2017: A Guide to Celebrations and Traditions. There are any Experience the Cultural Richness of Mongolian New Year 2017: A Guide to Celebrations and Traditions in here.