| Description |
Mongolians celebrate the traditional Tsagaan Sar Festival as a passing of one year and a welcoming of a new one. This is the triple celebration for passing of the severe winter safe-and-sound, welcoming a new year, and a celebration of getting wiser. Before the end of the old year, Mongolians endeavor to repay debts and resolve disagreements so as to enter the forthcoming year without lingering resentment or misfortune. The tradition of Tsagaan Sar Festival comprises of complex proceedings as bituulekh (to celebrate the day before Tsagaan sar), preparing the banquet, dairy products and mutton for the feast, zolgokh (greet each other), honoring the elders and telling well-wishing, propitious words to each other. The celebration of Tsagaan Sar is a fifteen-day period of ‘whitening’, when family and kin gather in a respectful atmosphere to renew and solidify ties, particularly between young and old. |
| Social and cultural significance |
During the Lunar Month festival Mongolians not only visit their neighbours, but also visit close relatives, even those who live far away. Presents are exchanged. If possible, children who live separate from their parents, endeavor to greet their parents in person within the days of the Lunar Month celebration. Grandsons, granddaughters, and cousins try to greet their paternal and maternal uncles and aunts within the days of this celebration. On the days of Lunar Month festival today, Mongolians wear ceremonial costumes and ride in modern cars and visit their parents, neighbouring villages, and uncles and aunts, and exchange gifts in modern bindings. |
| Transmission method |
by participation in the festival |
| Community |
The first day of the New Year is traditionally a popular festival. It is celebrated on a broad nationwide scale. |
