Mongolian New Year: history and traditions. New Year in Mongolia How New Year is celebrated in Mongolia

beginning of spring and New Year according to the lunar-solar calendar - the most solemn and main holiday of the Mongolian, indigenous Arctic and some Turkic peoples.
Among the Mongols, it is called Tsagaan sar; among the Buryats - Sagaalgan, among the Tuvans - Shaga, among the Altaians - Chaga Bairam; among the Yakuts - Urun Yy, etc. It is a symbol of the renewal of man and nature, openness and purity of thoughts, hope and good expectations.

The name of the holiday comes from the Mongolian words tsagaan - white and sar - month. "White month" was originally considered a holiday of dairy products and was celebrated in autumn. At this time, the preparation of dairy products for the future was over, which they consumed on holidays.
The celebration of the New Year according to the lunisolar calendar has ancient national and religious roots.

The grandson of Genghis Khan, the great Khan of the Yuan dynasty Kublai, moved the time of New Year celebration from autumn to the end of winter under the influence of Chinese astrology. Thus, the Mongolian Tsagaan Sar was timed to coincide with the beginning of the year according to the twelve-year cycle. The court “white holiday” was described in the following way by its witness and contemporary of Khubilai, Marco Polo:

“Their year begins in February; the great khan and all his subjects celebrate like this: according to custom, everyone dresses in white, both men and women, as anyone can. They consider white clothes to be happy, that’s why they do it, they dress in white so that there is happiness and prosperity throughout the year ... They bring him great gifts ... so that the great khan has a lot of wealth throughout the year and it would be joyful and fun for him. I will tell you more, princes and knights, and indeed all the people give each other white things, hug, have fun, feast, and this is done in order to live happily and kindly all year.

On this day, you know, more than a hundred thousand glorious and expensive white horses are presented to the Great Khan. On the same day, five thousand elephants are brought out under white blankets, animals and birds embroidered; each elephant has two beautiful and expensive caskets on his back, and in them are the dishes of the great khan and a rich harness for this white gathering. Many more camels are brought out; they are also under blankets and loaded with everything necessary for the gift. Both elephants and camels pass in front of the great khan, and such beauty has never been seen anywhere!

... And when the great sovereign reviews all the gifts, tables are set up, and everyone sits down at them ... And after dinner, magicians come and amuse the courtyard, which you have already heard before; When it's all over, everyone goes home."

After the expulsion of the Mongols from China in the 14th century, the tradition of celebrating Sagan Sara at the end of winter was brought to Mongolia proper. Thus, the name of the holiday - "white" - has lost its original "milk" meaning, and acquired a more general meaning. The name "white month" reflects the color symbolism common to the Mongolian-speaking peoples, according to which the white color - a symbol of holiness and purity - is associated with happiness and prosperity.

With the beginning of the wide spread of Tibetan Buddhism among the Mongolian peoples in the 17th century, the Mongolian Tsagaan Sar included Buddhist rituals and mythology.
The main imperative of all Buddhist rituals associated with the meeting of the new year was to get rid of all the sins and filth accumulated in the previous year. The central ritual is still a penitential one-day fast (Tib. sojong), accompanied by the ceremony of burning the “litter” - a black pyramid, symbolizing the accumulated evil, sacrificed to the spirits of the area.

Buddhist popular mythology connects the Tsagaan Sar holiday - the beginning of spring - with the name of the Buddhist deity-dharmapala, the goddess Baldan Lhamo. According to legend, every year after another victory over the mongooses and saving the sun, swallowed by the lord of hell, Yama (Mong. Erleg nomyn khaan), she descends to the earth, warms it with her warmth, and spring begins. The cold recedes, the winter starvation leaves, the new season in economic activity pastoralists. They count the losses incurred in winter and rejoice at the approach of the warm season.

The image of an angry Buddhist goddess sometimes coexists with the image of the White Elder, the traditional Buddhist embodiment of fertility and longevity.

Since the 19th century, with the assimilation of the Gregorian calendar, Tsagan Sar in Kalmykia was not celebrated precisely as the beginning of the calendar year, however, the Volga Kalmyks, who migrated from the Russian Empire in 1771, preserved the traditional ritual: their descendants living in Xinjiang (PRC) celebrate Tsagan Sar is like New Year. Strengthening the New Year's character of the spring celebration was facilitated by the fact that the Chinese celebrate the traditional New Year at about the same time.

In the 1930s, the celebration of Tsagaan Sara was banned in the USSR. The revival of the traditions of the celebration occurred only in the post-war period, the status national holiday received only in 1990.

Currently, the first day of Sagaalgan in the republics of Altai, Buryatia, Tuva, Khakassia, Yakutia and the Trans-Baikal Territory, as well as in the territories of the Aginsky Buryat autonomous region and Ust-Orda Buryat Autonomous Okrug is a day off
According to the Law of the Republic of Kalmykia dated October 13, 2004 "On holidays and memorable days in the Republic of Kalmykia", the Tsagan Sar holiday is a national holiday of Kalmykia.

Traditions and rituals of celebration
They prepared for the celebrations in advance, slaughtered cattle for the future, since it was forbidden to do it directly on the days of the holiday. The celebration took place in every house. They hung new outfits on a rope, shook out all the clothes. They cooked meat - lamb, beef or horse meat, prepared buuzas.

The traditional greeting was an important ritual with which two people who met that day addressed each other. The significance of this greeting is so great and the duration of its action is so long that, for example, Tuvans could not greet each other for a whole year, arguing that they had already greeted each other during the White month. Kalmyks at a meeting asked: “Did the members and livestock safely leave the wintering?”
Nowadays, the home celebration of Tsagan Sara is no different from the meeting of the Christian New Year - people give gifts to each other, gather at the laid table.

Since this holiday is called the "White Month", according to tradition, white dishes should be on the table, for example, from milk or sour-milk products.
During the festive dinner, a special lamp-goblet is lit - the Zulu, which drives away evil spirits and, together with oil, burns the sins of those sitting at the table. Alcohol in Buddhism is not welcome, so it is almost never found on the New Year's table during Sagaalgan.

The first day of the New Year is supposed to be spent in your house among the people living in it. Only the next day you can receive guests or go to visit yourself. If the children live separately, then they must come to their parents on the first day - honoring the elders is one of the foundations of Sagaalgan, which was once laid by Genghis Khan himself, who visited his mother Oyalun.

An indispensable element of holiday gifts was a bunch of wrestlers.
Bortsok was prepared from butter unleavened dough and fried in boiling fat. Of these, sets were made - for offering the "first portion" to the Buddhas, as well as gift ones - for presentation to relatives during holiday visits. The shape of the wrestlers included in the sets had a symbolic meaning: figurines in the form of animals expressed the wish for the offspring of the corresponding livestock; in the form of an occasion - good luck, etc.

Early in the morning on the day of the holiday, the ceremony of sprinkling was performed: having crossed the threshold of the house, the owner sprinkled around the first cup of freshly brewed tea as an offering to the ancestors and the White Elder.

Astrological forecast for 2018
According to the astrologer of the Ivolginsky datsan, Namsrai Lama Dashidondokov, this year will be fruitful in all areas and, unlike the previous ones, will be calmer.

February 16 is the new year lunar calendar. We are entering the Year of the Dog, the element of the year is earth, the color is yellow, and like every even year, 2018 is masculine.
This year will be fertile in all areas, unlike previous years, it will be calmer, everything will gradually stabilize. The year will be very favorable for people who are sensitive, have endurance and show resourcefulness.

Earth - the active element - is presented as a crystallizing, gathering together force that works slowly but powerfully. This element carries stability and makes everything clear, definite, concrete. The qualities of the Earth are fertility and abundance.

The Earth element brings wisdom and prudence into people's lives, endows them with such properties as practicality, methodicalness, logical judgment and prudence, fortitude, willpower, friendliness. And although people will be a little slow, but having specific goals and firm aspirations, they will systematically move towards them. Enterprising and practical, they can be selfish and possessive, attached to material things.

A dog is the embodiment of loyalty and honesty. She is intelligent, endowed with a strong sense of justice, and is a conscientious worker. She is an obligatory friend and cannot help but help.

The dog does not tolerate hypocrisy and malevolence, but its anger, caused by its high moral qualities, is short-lived. The dog is not playful, in life it is too serious. She talks and analyzes so much that sometimes she falls into pessimism. He has good intuition, feels danger in advance and sometimes exaggerates it, which makes him restless, even panicking. A deceived dog can become cynical. Her life is a heavy burden, and if she continues to take everything seriously, then she will have few opportunities for happiness. A dog's love can last a long time if he manages to cope with his pessimism.

Weather. Spring promises to be long, rainfall is expected at the end of spring. There will be rains in summer, and towards the end of summer - drought, fires are possible, but despite this, the harvest will be good, a lot of grass and an abundance of berries. The cattle will be well fed and will breed well. Strong winds at the beginning and end of the year.

influence of the year. The Year of the Dog is very favorable for young people, good for children, older people need to pay attention to their health.

If to speak about people who were born in different years, then the year of the Dog is good for those born in the years of the Chicken and the Monkey. For those born in the years of the Dog, as well as the Dragon, Sheep and Cow, this year is not very successful. They are advised to be vigilant and careful, sincerely do good deeds, help the needy, orphanages and homes for the disabled and the elderly. In this way it is possible to avoid various obstacles in the coming year. This year will be changeable for those born in the years of the Tiger and the Horse. It will be good for those whose patron is the Mouse, Rabbit, Snake and Pig.

New Year 2018 in Mongolia will be celebrated more than once, but according to Christian, Buddhist and Muslim customs. The most familiar option for us is January 1 in accordance with the Julian calendar.

History of the New Year in Mongolia

The forerunners of modern Mongols and other Turkic peoples are the Huns. These people, who lived 3,000 years ago, were already celebrating the New Year. It was they who came up with the tradition of decorating the Christmas tree and putting gifts under it. It was believed that the god Yorlu got into the yurts through the chimney, to whom the festive tree was intended. It's easier to go down. Wishing to appease the deity, people hung silver and delicious food on the branches. As gifts, the girls were left with a spindle, and for the boys - arrows with a bow.

The date of the New Year was timed to coincide with the end of the cattle drive. It was October 14th. This number
la was of great importance in pagan Russia, after which it was converted to the day of the Intercession of the Holy Mother of God. Some researchers believe that the tradition of decorating Christmas trees came to Russian lands precisely with the invasion of the Xiongnu and Avars. The end of the harvest was also celebrated on October 31st by the Celts. They called their New Year Samhain.

In modern conditions, Asian and European neo-pagans are trying to revive past traditions, however, absolute unity on this issue has not been established, since many prefer to celebrate the New Year on other dates.

Holidays in the New Year 2018 in Mongolia

In modern realities, the celebration of the event that marks the transition between the old and new years takes place at the junction of December and January. It is accompanied by fun, the exchange of gifts, the participation of the Snow Maiden and Santa Claus. In addition, traditions associated with the lunar calendar have been preserved.

In the first case, going on a tour to Mongolia for the New Year 2018, you will find yourself in a familiar environment. Coniferous beauties, decorated in shining lights, Santa Clauses, fireworks and other paraphernalia characteristic of the situation will flicker around.

The second holiday is called Tsagan Sar, which means the White Moon. This name arose in 1206, when the rule was in the hands of Genghis Khan. This event is celebrated in February, so that it marks the onset of spring and the flowering of new life.

On the evening before the holiday, the Mongols say goodbye to the outgoing year. This ritual is called bituleg. When the sun rises, relatives make congratulations, go to neighbors and relatives to visit. It is believed that the more people look at you on this day, the happier you will be in the future.

Unchanging dishes holiday table are dumplings, fat sheep, flour and dairy products. The Mongolian feast has a lot of old traditions, interesting features:

• everyone sits in a circle and begins to drink tea;
• the head of the family cuts the meat of the ram and treats those present;
• in turn, each gets a bowl of silver, full of koumiss. The owners prudently freeze it in the fall;
• archi is drunk - milk vodka beloved by the Mongols;
• then people indulge in fun, sing and laugh.

If you become a participant in such a feast for the New Year in Mongolia, photos from the event will evoke the warmest feelings in your heart for a long time after arriving home.

Sports competitions for courage and dexterity have become traditional these days. The Mongols arrange regional races. Participants, their relatives and coaches are collected at a predetermined place. The young riders are dressed in festive clothes. Under them are shaggy off-suits, perfect well-groomed horses. The distance is 10 km. At the finish line, spectators wait for the champions, communicate and share news.

To see all this with your own eyes, you should go to Mongolia as part of an excursion group. A trip lasting 10 days will cost approximately $1,700. You will get a lot of vivid impressions and pleasant emotions.

Also, outdoor enthusiasts will be interested to know how the New Year 2018 will be on the site.

East Asian countries also celebrated the New Year from time immemorial, however, unlike our solar calendar, they used a different one - the Lunar calendar. Therefore, the time of the New Year and the traditions of the holiday are quite different compared to European ones. In 2015, Mongolia will celebrate the New Year on February 19, 2015.

The Mongolian New Year is a shepherds' holiday, called Tsagaan Sar (Tsagaan Sar, or literally "White Moon") and is the first day of the new year according to the Mongolian lunar calendar. The Lunar New Year Festival is celebrated not only by the Mongols, but also by their closest neighbors, the Kalmyks and Buryats. The White Moon Festival is celebrated 2 months after the first new moon after the winter solstice. Tsagan Sar is one of the most important holidays of the Mongols.

New Year begins in this country in February. According to custom, the Mongols dress in white or national clothes. White robes symbolize happiness, so that the whole next year that one wears them, happiness and prosperity do not leave. It is customary to give horses, goats and food.

Characteristic features of the holiday

Burning candles on the altar symbolize enlightenment. Mongols greet each other with "Amar bayna uu?", which translates as "Did you have a good rest?". Families visit friends and parents' homes. Traditionally, young families meet at the home of their father or grandfather. During the exchange of greetings, at a meeting, among the Mongols, it is customary to grab each other by the elbows. The father is greeted by every member of the family, with the exception of his wife. At the welcoming ceremony, family members hold long pieces of cloth called khadag in their hands. After the ceremony, everyone eats rice with cottage cheese, dairy products and exchanges gifts.

Mongolian Santa Claus

The traditional Mongolian Santa Claus, Uvlin Uvgun, is the most important shepherd among the Mongols, from which he comes to the holiday in traditional Mongolian cattle breeder clothes. He wears a fox fur cap on his head. He holds a whip in his hand, and a bag with tinder and flint is attached to his belt.

Uvlin Uvgun, Mongolian Santa Claus

Officially, Uvlin Uvgun was born on December 31, he is 90 years old and lives in the capital of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar. He has a family - Zazan Ohin (Snow Girl) and Shine Zhil (New Year). When he appears in public, he pronounces the phrase “Zul sariyn bolon shine ond mend devshuulye!”, Which is translated into Russian as “Greetings to the month of January and the New Year!”.

Mongolian New Year's Eve

New Year's table in a traditional Mongolian family is not complete without favorite traditional national drinks. Mostly they drink Tsagan Tsai (milk tea with salt) and Airag (Mongolian koumiss). The male population will not bypass archi-milk moonshine. Also, the word "archi" refers to factory-made Mongolian vodka, in which the proportion of alcohol is 38% of the total volume.

Like the Buryats, the inhabitants of Mongolia will be happy to cook and eat steamed manti (buza) on New Year's Eve. It will not do without a bortsok - an elongated piece of dough deep-fried from animal fat. In addition, there will be cheese (bislag) on ​​the table,

Of the meat dishes on the New Year's table, the Mongols can be seen: goat meat baked in the stomach of an animal - bodog, horkhog, khar shul, tsuivan, black pudding hottorgoin shukhan and pasties khushur.

At the hitching post in the distance,

silently standing under the moon,

From the first freshness of spring

my frisky crow froze.

Begzin Yavuhulan, Mongolian poet

The Mongolian lands stretched from the impenetrable taiga in the north to the sands of the Gobi in the south, from the snowy peaks of Altai in the west to the endless steppes in the east. Mongolia is a country of the purest blue lakes, full-flowing rivers, mountains where edelweiss grows, and rich pastures where horses, cows, camels, goats and sheep graze all year round. Born riders live here, who begin to ride a horse almost before they walk.

Everyone rides in Mongolia - men, women, and small children. After all, the horse population of the country is so large that literally there is a horse for each of the two million inhabitants. By the age of five, the little Mongol is already confidently on the saddle, and children aged 6-12 participate in traditional horse races.

Relations in the Mongolian family do not look so patriarchal and are based on the equality of spouses: women take part in grazing livestock, men devote a lot of time to raising children.

All Mongols cherish the traditions of their ancestors. They celebrate the New Year twice. The first time - on the night of January 1 with Santa Claus and the Snow Maiden, a Christmas tree and gifts. The second time - according to the lunar calendar. This holiday is called in Mongolian Tsagan Sar (White Moon). It received its name in 1206, during the time of Genghis Khan. Tsagaan Sar marks the arrival of spring: after all, it usually falls in February.

In the evening, on the eve of the New Year, a bituleg is arranged in every Mongolian family - farewell to the outgoing year. The next day after sunrise, all family members congratulate each other, then the round of relatives and neighbors begins.

Fat ram, dumplings, dairy and flour dishes are prepared for the New Year's table. The Mongolian feast is a whole ritual, as ancient as the tradition of celebrating Tsagan Sar. Everyone sits in a circle, the tea begins. Then the most respected person cuts the fatty meat of the lamb rump and distributes it to everyone present. In a circle there is a silver bowl with koumiss. Thrifty owners keep it frozen since autumn. It does not do without traditional milk vodka - archi. Fun, laughter, songs - first of all, of course, about the Mongolian horse.

On the second day of Tsagan Sara, somon (regional) races are held. Participants, their coaches, relatives gather in a predetermined place. Festively dressed young horsemen riding on shaggy horses of various colors are calm and full of dignity. Start given. The distance is no less than ten kilometers. Participants are waiting at the finish line, talking animatedly, exchanging news and assessing the chances of their pets. An elderly man took out his smoking pipe with a mouthpiece made of white jade from behind the top of his boot and began to light it, carving a fire with the help of flint.

Time passes imperceptibly. But then someone notices the first rider galloping through the valley. Soon the entire "koumiss five" is shown. And here is the winner in white boots on a black horse! Five winners pass each other a bowl of koumiss, this magical drink is also sprinkled on the cereals of their horses. Tired but happy young riders hand over the horses to the trainers, while they wait for the rest of the participants to finish.

These New Year's Eve local races are loved by everyone. Such a warm, friendly atmosphere reigns here, this is how friends and relatives of the participants feel!

In the New Year, it is customary to wish each other happiness and good luck. So let's repeat after the Mongolian friends:

May all your wishes come true in the New Year!

Sar shiniyin mand devshuulye!

Vladimir LISICHKIN,

The bulk of the urban population is concentrated in the capital, and National holidays is a very important part of the local culture and politics. The authorities are trying to ensure that there are as many unifying factors as possible that would unite the entire people. It should be noted that there are not many holidays in Mongolia., especially compared to other Asian countries, but each is celebrated on a grand scale and very, very sincerely.

Nadom in Mongolia

It is held in the middle of summer and is one of the largest holiday events. For example, the main events that the President of Mongolia opens with his visit(and also closes) gather a stadium where 15 thousand people gather. Sometimes even more, in general, for this country this is quite an impressive figure.

It is worth saying that the history of this holiday is rooted in the distant past - in the time of Genghis Khan. True, the celebration changed the date, but the general meaning and order of the event was preserved. In particular, wrestling competitions are still held here: men are dressed in a very specific outfit, this special shoes, swimming trunks and a short top to help make the grip. At the same time, the whole action is permeated with great ritualism: the struggle begins with a special dance, and after the end, the loser must pass under the hand of the winner, thereby showing recognition of his superiority over himself.

It is noteworthy that the concept of a weight category is absent here.

Archers also compete these days, women are on a par with men, only the fair sex is given a distance of 10 meters less than the guys. That's the whole difference. The most accurate winner of the competition in the capital will receive a prize of one and a half million tugriks, for Mongolia, this is very serious money, so they really try here. Competitions take place for several days, attracting a lot of tourists, largely due to the preserved color, which even somehow does not need to be shown separately. Many participants, for example, still live in yurts.

Another tradition is horse racing. Here, participants, that is, riders, can be from 5 years old. Teenagers often win at the age of 14, they already know how to handle horses very well. Unlike the European tradition, short-distance races are not welcome here - the race runs for 30 kilometers! And the more dust the horses raise, the better. This is considered a good omen.

In general, according to how Nadom passes, many think for themselves how exactly the year will pass. The holiday is held in the areas where they were born, so there can, of course, be several winners - each district has its own, and the capital has its own.

New Year in Mongolia

New Year's Eve is celebrated in different ways. And according to the Eastern calendar, which means that the date fluctuates. But they prepare for it in advance, that is, there is no difference in this respect. And in Gregorian, that is, from December 31st to January 13th, there is an obvious influence of Russia. However, the life of the Mongols in the winter still freezes, since activity in the country is largely tied to agriculture still. And in the absence of classes, many are not averse to visiting, celebrating something, making each other small or luxurious gifts, as best they can.

For example, in last years there has been a marked resurgence of interest in national history, to the roots. And the youth, coming to big cities, and not only Mongolia, but also visiting China, for example, for training, orders luxurious outfits there - Delhi. They say that they don’t wear such things in the steppe, of course, but carefully embroidered costumes will surely please the elderly. And some sew for themselves to show off to friends and be the most elegant.

For the New Year, regardless of when it is celebrated, it is customary to give each other bright red ribbons with a wish drawn in gold. This is what replaces postcards. It is believed that the more a person receives such wishes, the more they love him, which means he is happier.

Gift giving is a different story. No post office can find a nomadic family. Therefore, they ask to pass on friends, relatives ... And the same nomads. One Mongol in the steppe will find another much faster. Although there are much fewer movements during the cold season, which is noted by many.

Tsagaan Sar or White Moon

This is not quite official, but a very fun holiday or even a festive period. It begins with the New Year and gives everyone the opportunity to continue recreation and entertainment.

In general, the entire period lasts from mid-January to mid-February., as if absorbing all those events that are usually held during this period. Events take place in a certain sequence, for example, the younger ones always come to the elders to show their respect, to emphasize a special relationship. At the very beginning of Tsagaan Sara, they make a detour around the house in the morning, this is a tribute to their native home, there is something sacred and special here.

Of course, they give gifts, a lot. Delhi has already been mentioned above - but not only this is presented. It can be something useful, most often - clothes, beautiful dyed fabric, dishes are considered a very good option. Men can still be presented with weapons.

Also, this holiday has a special meaning. For example, Mongolian schoolchildren get vacations, as much as 5 days, to go home and see their families. This is the only opportunity to see parents in winter.

For adults, there is also a special meaning: everyone gets together, communicates, gets to know each other better, introduces new family members: someone shows a newborn child, someone introduces a new wife into the house. They also brag about grown horses, dogs, comic competitions are arranged. At the same time, such a gathering of everyone makes it possible to avoid incest: each member of the family will know everyone by sight, no one will confuse anyone.

Since there is a lot of free time during the White month, great attention is paid to cooking issues. For example, they make buuzas, they simply must be on the table! Festive baking too. Khushur is somewhat reminiscent of dumplings, only they are fried, not boiled. They drink a lot of salty Mongolian tea, even competitions are held between different families on the topic of who will cook it better.

Residents of rural areas believe that a surrogate is being made in the capital. For example, in essence, the same tea is added cow's milk and authentic requires camel. As a result, some especially brave tourists decide to go to the steppes to get acquainted with the authentic life of nomads.

Mongolian Pride Day

One of the youngest Mongolian holidays, which is celebrated on the first day of the first winter month according to the lunar calendar. But, despite the fact that it appeared relatively recently, it has already managed to attract attention, for example, by what takes place under the auspices of the president. In the capital of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, solemn processions are held in national costumes, honors are being rendered to a huge statue of Genghis Khan, awards are presented in his name. Many public figures give speeches and other cultural events take place.

Against the background of other holidays, closely related to the ethnic side of life, with customs and traditions, this one stands out quite strongly. It looks much more modern... And the fact that it is designed to revive national pride and remind of history looks like a rather strong contrast. But, nevertheless, the holiday itself deserves attention.