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Mongolia is rich in culture and traditions. The
nomads have roamed the steppes for centuries developing
intricate systems for survival in the harsh climate
and barren landscape of Central Asia. Here is
just a short overview of some of the different
aspects of this fascinating and ancient culture.
The Mongolian way of life is nomadic and intimately
connected with the ways of nature and animals.
Despite urbanization, the traditions of the steppes
live on. Even in the cities, most Mongolians continue
to live in a ger, a large, white
felt tent that can be moved easily and has a universal
layout.
Mongolia's paintings, music and literature are
dominated by Tibetan Buddhism
and nomadism. Tsam dances are
performed to exorcise evil spirits and are influenced
by nomadism and Shamanism. Outlawed during communism,
they're beginning to be performed again. Traditional
music involves a wide range of instruments and
singing styles.
Mongolian khoomii - throat singing,
is a talent leant by only a few in Mongolia and
is regarded as a great skill. The unique sounds
produced through this technique are exquisite
carefully trained male voices produce harmonic
overtones from deep in the throat, releasing several
notes at once. Throat singers use a technique
of circular breathing so it seems that they never
draw breath in a song lasting up to 3-4 minutes.
Traditional music and dance performances aren't
complete without a touch of contortionism,
an ancient Mongolian tradition.
Morin khuur - horse violin (or
horse fiddle) is one of the many unique traditional
instruments of the Mongolian people. Great legends
surround the origins of this violin the strings
of which are made from horse hair. The Murhin
Khuur is used on its own, with vocal or other
instruments accompanying it. Thousands of songs
have been written to be used by this famous instrument.
Music and games - The long winter
months with howling winds, snow storms and blizzards
are passed in good spirits by Mongolians through
playing games and singing songs. Mongolia has
a very rich tradition of games and music. Most
nomadic people are still without electricity,
unless they live close to an administrative centre,
so television is not an option. Games are made
out of the bones of animals and card playing is
another favorite. At any celebration or gathering
in Mongolia people enjoy singing. Participants
sit around in a circle and whoever is holding
the cup of vodka begins the next song. There is
no time for bashfulness or shyness. It is not
about who has the best voice or can sing the loudest.
Everyone has a turn. As the next song begins everyone
joins in and the melodies and sounds made are
transfixing.
The official language is Mongolian,
a member of the Ural-Altaic family of languages,
which includes Finnish, Turkish, Kazak, Uzbek
and Korean. Since 1944, the Russian Cyrillic alphabet
has been used to write Mongolian. The country
has produced a huge literature, almost none of
which is known to speakers of European languages.
Only recently have scholars translated the most
important text of all- The Secret History of the
Mongols- which celebrates Mongolia's days of greatness.
Mongolian art and culture are
almost always based on the nomadic lifestyles
of ancestors. Although Ulaanbaatar is now a modern
city, there are still many performances of dance,
music and drama that are based on history. There
is a real renaissance of original culture. For
detailed information, click here to visit: www.mongolart.mn.
