Materials
herder
ICH Materials 24
Photos
(3)-
The custom of giving ablution to a child
Mongolians consider childbirth as a good omen. Mongols perform an ablution to a child in order to honor the one who has adapted the form of a precious human being and has been born on the earth as a little citizen of the state. A new born baby is washed ceremonially with pure water of its birthplace and welcomed by parents and relatives, and life-long name is given. It is a sole that a midwife, who plays a main role in the custom of naming and giving ablution to a child, is considered as the most respected guest of that custom. People who joined in this ceremony including midwife are giving gifts to new born child, such as clothes and items, and close relatives give a foal, calf and baby camel for purpose of preparing livestock of future herder. During the ceremony, people say praises, sing a lullaby and songs that compliments the parent.
Mongolia -
Making of horse brand
Horse branding is a one of the most respected household items made by a balcksmith. Mongolian horse-brand are shaped into symbols that are associated with the tribes or ethnic groups to which the nomadic herder belongs. The culture of the brand of nomadic Mongol was written on the historical sources and evidences over 4000 and 5000 years ago. Every brand is different and never duplicated. The livestock brand is classified into 3 different categories as brand on hair, brand on surface of skin, brand on body. Mongols brand the horses and camels, and mostly do branding to young horses (in age of foul) in autumn and do branding feast within families. Horse brand is very important marks to herders to recognize their animals, therefore herders say this word “Altan biyend aman gerch, aduu mald tamga gerch” as “Tongue is expression of our body, and the brand is the evidence of horse and livestock”.
Mongolia -
Making of horse brand
Horse branding is a one of the most respected household items made by a balcksmith. Mongolian horse-brand are shaped into symbols that are associated with the tribes or ethnic groups to which the nomadic herder belongs. The culture of the brand of nomadic Mongol was written on the historical sources and evidences over 4000 and 5000 years ago. Every brand is different and never duplicated. The livestock brand is classified into 3 different categories as brand on hair, brand on surface of skin, brand on body. Mongols brand the horses and camels, and mostly do branding to young horses (in age of foul) in autumn and do branding feast within families. Horse brand is very important marks to herders to recognize their animals, therefore herders say this word “Altan biyend aman gerch, aduu mald tamga gerch” as “Tongue is expression of our body, and the brand is the evidence of horse and livestock”.
Mongolia