Golden Gate Friends of Mongolia

Culture

Mongolian culture is heavily influenced by the Mongol nomadic way of life. Buddhism is another important influence.

Ger is the Mongolia word for yurt, and gers are part of the Mongolian national identity. In Mongolian, ger also means home.

The main festival in Mongolia is Naadam, which has been celebrated for centuries, consists of three Mongolian traditional sports—archery, horse-racing and wrestling. The festival is held on July 11-13 in the honor of the foundation of the Great Mongol State. These three sports, traditionally recognized as the three primary masculine activities, are the most widely watched and practiced throughout the country.

Horse riding is especially central to Mongolian culture. The long-distance races that are showcased during Naadam festivals are one aspect of this, as is the popularity of trick riding.

Tsagaan Sar (Mongolian: White Moon), Mongolian New Year, is one of the biggest celebrations. The New Year usually falls into January or February. Family members and friends visit each other and exchange greetings and presents.

Mongolia has a very old musical tradition. Key traditional elements are khoomii, or throat singing, the Morin Khuur (horse head fiddle) and other string instruments and long folk songs.