Moving into a new house is a big event in anyone’s life, and it is no different in Mongolia. However, in Mongolia, there are certain traditions and customs that are followed when moving into a new house. These traditions are deeply rooted in Mongolian culture and reflect the beliefs and values of the people.
Housewarming Rituals and Customs
One of the most important traditions in Mongolia is the housewarming ritual. This is a ceremony that is performed when a family moves into a new home. The ceremony is usually performed by a shaman, who is a respected member of the community. The shaman performs a series of rituals and prayers, which are meant to bless the new home and protect it from evil spirits.
At the beginning of the ceremony, the shaman will light a fire in the new home’s hearth. The fire is meant to purify the home and ward off evil spirits. The family members are then asked to offer items such as milk, tea, and vodka to the fire, which is considered to be a way of welcoming good spirits into the home.
Nowadays, the new generation don’t always uphold this tradition. However, some younger people still light up incense and wave it around every corner of the house, and wave it 3 times around each partner clockwise 3 times. This is meant to remove the home from evil spirits.
Cleaning the House
Another important tradition in Mongolia is cleaning the house before moving in. This is a symbol of starting fresh and leaving behind any bad luck or negative energy from the previous occupants. It is common for Mongolians to sweep their new home from the outside to the inside, as a way of drawing good luck into the home.
Welcoming Guests
In Mongolia, it is customary to invite guests to the new home soon after moving in. This is a way of introducing the new home to the community and receiving blessings from friends and family. Mongolians typically prepare a feast for their guests, which includes traditional dishes such as buuz (steamed dumplings), khorkhog (roasted meat), and airag (fermented mare’s milk).
Setting Up the Home
Once the house is blessed and cleaned, it is time to set up the home. Mongolians believe that the placement of furniture and other items in the home can have an impact on the family’s luck and fortune. For example, it is believed that the bed should be placed in the south direction, as it is believed to bring good health to the family. The altar, which is an important aspect of Mongolian culture, should be placed in the north direction, as it is believed to bring prosperity and good fortune.
Conclusion
Moving into a new home is an important event in Mongolian culture, and there are many traditions and customs that are followed during this time. From the housewarming ritual to cleaning the home and inviting guests, each tradition plays an important role in symbolizing new beginnings and welcoming good luck into the home. These traditions reflect the values and beliefs of the Mongolian people, and they continue to be an integral part of their culture today.
