Christmas in Mongolia: Customs & Traditions

mongolia

Mongolia, a country with a rich history and unique culture, has its own distinct way of celebrating the Christmas season. As you might already know, Christmas festivities in Mongolia primarily center around the New Year, as the majority of its population follow Buddhism or indigenous beliefs. However, since the 1990s, the growing presence of Christianity has also influenced the way Mongolians observe the holiday season.

v2 1mzfx im65w

One major aspect of Christmas and New Year celebrations in Mongolia is the New Year’s tree, which is a local adaptation of the traditional Christmas tree. Decked with lights and decorations, these trees are displayed prominently in the city centers, illuminating the winter darkness and adding a festive atmosphere. To make the celebration even more special, Mongolian families often adorn their trees with their local currency, tugriks, which visitors can then contribute to as a gesture of goodwill towards the children of the household. This unique blend of customs and traditions truly captures the spirit of the season in Mongolia, creating a one-of-a-kind experience for everyone involved.

As you explore the Christmas traditions in Mongolia, you’ll be delighted by the ways the country has embraced the holiday and made it their own, despite cultural differences and various religious beliefs. You’ll find incredible displays of unity, generosity, and joy that make this time of year truly magical in the Land of the Eternal Blue Sky. So, let’s dive deeper into the fascinating world of Mongolian Christmas traditions and immerse ourselves in the warmth and wonder of the season!

Mongolia and Christmas

v2 1mzge qe7hb

Christmas in Mongolia

Mongolia might not be the first place you think of when it comes to Christmas, but there are definitely festivities in the air! Although Christmas is not an official holiday in Mongolia, companies, schools, and friends organize parties and events to celebrate. Mongolian people mainly view Christmas as a warmup for their New Year celebrations.

Russian Influence

Mongolia’s holiday traditions have been heavily influenced by its northern neighbor, Russia. The widespread practice of gift-giving and celebrating New Year’s Eve with a big feast has roots in Russian culture and customs. Even though most Mongolians don’t know much about the religious side of Christmas, these influences have helped shape their festive season.

Tourist’s Perspective

As a tourist visiting Mongolia around Christmas time, you’ll notice some familiar traditions:

  • Christmas Turkey & Mongolian Dumpling (Buuz): While Christmas can’t be without turkey and ham in the west, in Mongolia, their traditional dumpling, Buuz, takes center stage and is served alongside various salads.
  • Christmas Music: You can still listen to your favorite jingles even in Mongolia, including Mongolian versions of popular holiday songs like Jingle Bells.

Western Style

For expats, tourists, or visitors wanting a Western-style Christmas experience in Mongolia, you can find holiday celebrations happening around the city:

  • Christmas Parties: There are numerous Christmas parties and events hosted by hotels, restaurants, and local establishments.
  • Church Services: Several Christian denominations in Mongolia, including the Latter-Day Saints, organize Christmas culture activities, musical devotionals, and charity projects during the holiday season.

So, if you find yourself in Mongolia during the Christmas season, don’t worry — you’ll still have plenty of opportunities to indulge in festivities and make unforgettable holiday memories.

Significance of the Day

v2 1mzh7 2yg7e

Significance of Christmas

Christmas is a festive time in many parts of the world, and Mongolia is no exception. Although it’s not an official holiday in Mongolia, people who embrace Christmas are drawn to its message of peace, love, and joy. With the growing influence of Christianity, you’ll find that the spirit of Christmas has made its way into Mongolian communities, especially among the Christian population.

Mongolian Church

In recent years, the Mongolian church has played a significant role in introducing Christmas traditions to the country. Various Christian denominations celebrate the holiday through musical devotionals, music videos, and charity projects. It’s worth noting that, given the artistic talents of the Mongolian people, their Christmas celebrations often showcase their unique cultural flavor and creative expression.

Official Holiday

Though Christmas is not an official holiday in Mongolia, many consider the New Year as their primary celebration during this season. Even so, the influence of Christmas can still be felt. New Year Trees, closely resembling Christmas trees, can be found across the region, indicating a possible blending of traditions. As a visitor, you can still find Christmassy vibes during the month of December, thanks to the locals who have embraced the joy and warmth of the holiday season.

Cultural Aspects

v2 1mzhj ml699

Community Celebrations

Mongolia has a unique way of celebrating Christmas with a mix of traditional and modern customs. In larger cities, you’ll find holiday-themed events like concerts, tree lighting ceremonies, and markets, making it easy to spread the Christmas cheer. Don’t be surprised to hear Mongolian renditions of classic Christmas songs during these celebrations!

Family Gatherings

Families in Mongolia gather together during the Christmas season to share quality time, with meals usually featuring traditional Mongolian dishes. One popular dish you might try at a Mongolian family Christmas gathering is “Buuz,” a type of savory dumpling. You’ll also find various salads and sometimes even Christmas turkey and ham. It’s a great time for catching up with your family members and enjoying each other’s company.

Children’s Experience

Christmas in Mongolia, while not a widely celebrated holiday like some western countries, still has its special moments for children. If you’re visiting Mongolia during Christmas, your little ones can look forward to participating in some exciting activities and events designed specifically for their enjoyment. Crafts, storytelling sessions, and even some visits from Santa Claus himself might make an appearance to make the holiday memorable.

Nomadic Tradition

A significant part of Mongolian culture is its nomadic heritage, which is also somewhat evident during Christmas celebrations. Many families still live in traditional ‘gers’ or yurts and maintain customs that have been practiced for centuries. While Christmas might not be a significant holiday in the nomadic calendar, you may still find interesting ways that these communities incorporate the celebration into their lives, blending old and new traditions in their own unique ways.

Festive Decorations

v2 1mzhx chf2b

Home Decorations

In Mongolia, Christmas is not celebrated widely, but that hasn’t stopped people from embracing some of the festive decorations in their homes. If you happen to be in Mongolia during this season, you might see various Christmas ornaments and twinkling lights brightening up the living spaces. In some homes, you may even spot a Christmas tree, making the atmosphere feel more festive and cozy.

Public Decorations

As you stroll through the streets of Ulaanbaatar, you’ll notice that public areas have also caught on to the Christmas spirit. Shopping centers, like the Hunnu Mall, proudly display elaborate decorations, like Christmas trees and even reindeer. Major streets embrace the festivities too, adorning their sidewalks with Christmas lights that brighten up the chilly winter nights.

Christmas Store

Although most Mongolians don’t celebrate Christmas, that hasn’t stopped businesses from joining in on the fun. Christmas stores can be found throughout the city, selling a variety of seasonal goodies. These stores not only cater to those who celebrate the holiday, but also to the locals looking to add some Christmas cheer to their homes. So, while you’re exploring the city, feel free to stop by one of these festive shops and take a peek at the array of Christmas decorations they offer.

Foods and Feasts

v2 1mzi9

Christmas Dinner

During Christmas in Mongolia, you can expect a warm and hearty Christmas dinner. While most families don’t traditionally celebrate Christmas like in Western countries, some Mongolians do host a festive meal for friends and family. Whether it’s a gathering at home or a dinner at local establishments like the Dublin Irish Pub, you can find a custom Christmas feast in a friendly environment.

Traditional Foods

Mongolian food is influenced by its nomadic culture and geographic conditions. In the holiday season, it’s common to find traditional Mongolian dishes in the feast, such as Buuz – a type of steamed dumplings filled with mutton. Furthermore, Mongolia’s beloved dairy products like curdled milk, yogurt, and cheese may also be part of the meal.

Unique Mongolian Delicacies

Now, let’s dive into some unique Mongolian delicacies that might appear on a festive table:

  • Khuushuur: A delicious deep-fried meat (often mutton) dumpling, golden and crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
  • Milk tea: A staple in Mongolian households, this tea can be served on special occasions, made with hot water, green tea, and milk.
  • Boodog: This dish consists of whole animals like marmot or goat, filled with hot stones to cook from the inside out.
  • Tugrik tree: Although not a food itself, a fun tradition is to decorate a small tree, similar to a Christmas tree, with Mongolian currency (Tugriks) for the children to enjoy.

Remember, Christmas in Mongolia might be different from what you’re used to, but it’s still a wonderful time to gather, share, and celebrate with delicious foods and unique customs.

New Year’s Celebration

v2 1mzip iwyg6

New Year in Mongolia

Mongolia has a unique take on celebrating the New Year, and you’ll find that their traditions are quite different from those in the West. While you may be familiar with Christmas trees, in Mongolia, they have what’s known as New Year’s Trees. These trees are beautifully decorated with lights and ornaments, just like you would see on a Christmas tree. After the sun sets around 5 pm, these New Year’s Trees light up the city and brighten the winter gloom.

Another interesting tradition involves the local currency, Tugriks. Mongolian families often decorate their New Year’s Trees with Tugrik bills, and it’s customary for guests visiting the family on January 1st to also hang Tugrik bills on the tree for the children. This creates a festive and generous atmosphere during the celebrations.

Tsagaan Sar

Tsagaan Sar, Mongolia’s own New Year celebration, occurs from late-January to mid-February. This event marks the arrival of spring after the long, harsh winter, which is a much-awaited time for the country’s nomadic herders. Tsagaan Sar, also known as the Lunar New Year, focuses on family reunions, similar to its Chinese counterpart.

During the Tsagaan Sar celebrations, you’ll find the people of Mongolia participating in various traditional activities and rituals. It truly is a joyous occasion that fills the air with warmth and love, offering a unique experience for those visiting during this time.

Exploring the New Year’s celebrations in Mongolia can offer you a deep insight into their culture and allow you to experience their different take on ushering in the new year. Whether it’s the brightly lit New Year’s Trees or the festive atmosphere of Tsagaan Sar, you’re sure to have a memorable time!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *