MONGOLIA | Top 5 rules to know before entering a yurt

---

BEFORE YOU COMMENCE: Year info

In the country of « yurt »We don't call it... A yurt. The correct name but that we, French, never hear is « gre » and nomads only use it (they don't like the word yurt very much). This word is spoken between « War » and « guir« . We suggest you train because it's the one you'll use if you go to Mongolia! For your reading comfort, we will keep the word yurt for the rest of this article.

This clarification made, we can now talk to you about these key moments of nomadic life where certain specific attitudes are to be adopted... Or not.

→ 1. DO NOT COME IN A YOUTH

And especially don't put a foot on the door threshold, or even touch it.

In short, in nomadic beliefs the door threshold symbolizes the neck of the head of the family. The deduction is simple: if you walk on the threshold, You're trampling on her neck! Similarly, entering the left foot would be an offence. These are two of the primary rules. Gengis Khan even used to death penalty All those who dared not respect them... Conclusion: If we had been at that time, Maxime wouldn't have been long on fire. (Yes, it is valid even for yurts still in full assembly).

→ 2. A TIME THAT YOU ENTERED... HELP YOURSELF!

The opposite would mean that your intentions are bad*.

And yes, some politeness in our home can pass as offenses in Mongolia: stay politely standing instead of sitting down without asking for anything, for example! In general you will find a small bed on the left side of the ger, this is the place reserved for guests. Don't hesitate to sit there as soon as you enter: Staying up is not well perceived in Mongolia. Indeed, if someone enters a ger and does not sit down, it is that he does not consider his visit to be friendly: he is bearer of a bad omen or want to harm the family.

*We're not making a joke about Harry Potter and some Marauder card, I promise.

→ 3. RECEIVED AND ALWAYS ALL RIGHT MAN

And so much for the left-handed!

For the rightists no problems, but for the others... This is one of the toughest rules to follow. (and that too, it's experience) Hey! When left-handed, it is very difficult to always think of stretching his opposite hand when we are given a bowl of milk tea (and they tend to us... Many!) or when an object is to be passed on to someone, for example. If you're left-handed, you'll have to make the mistake inadvertently. But don't worry: nomads will have more tendency I'm laughing at your freaking foreign head. e... Instead of wanting it! It will be a great time to talk with them about their traditions.

Little trick if your left hand itches you: think of custom left hand placed under right elbow when it is necessary to receive or give. Here's something to occupy.

→ 4. ALWAYS ACCEPTING FAMILY OFFICERS

Even if you have no idea what it is. And it will happen!

Even if the little ones « candy » (?) In this bowl you seem very suspicious, even if they are small whitish and hard yak milk, or dried sheep forehead or tongue (green)... Each family has in its yurt a small bowl of confectionery waiting for future visitors. She'll offer you as soon as you sit down, Maybe even before you talk! The concept of hospitality occupies a very special place in Mongolian tradition. As a result, it implies a lot of almost ceremonial customs : this bowl of offerings is part of it, and it would be a serious offense to refuse it (go not to be afraid, we had sheep tongues but we also got some delicious « cookies »... with yak milk) !

→ 5. THE FIRE IS SACRED

Then forget your old habits!

We mean, don't throw NOTHING in. No waste, no paper, no water, no end of your meal... Fire is sacred. It is the heart of the yurt, the home of nomadic life. Respect for fire is such that Mongolians never even set their feet in its direction. Indeed, as in many other countries, the feet embody values opposite to those of the head that is sacred: it would therefore be deeply rude to present its feet with fire. It's the same when you lie down to sleep: you must put your head on fire and your feet on the outside of the ger. We didn't come here to upset minds, okay?!

ATTENTION, BONUS

→ THE RULE THAT SUPPASSES ALL OTHERS

You'll understand, germ is a symbolic place in Mongolian beliefs. It is the basis of shamanism and represents their relationship with the nature around them. In other words, It embodies the representation that nomads have of the world.

The gers thus all respect the same architecture: their circular shape evokes the celestial vault. In the centre, two central pillars support the roof. Well, it is these central pillars that this ultimate rule concerns: Never pass between these two pillars! They're here. materialization of the link between earth and heaven. These two elements are often represented under the orange and blue colour in yurts. Consequences? The space between them is sacred. Do not place any objects between these two wooden poles; Don't pass something on to someone around here either; and above all do not pass between (even if you will often be tempted to go through this clear space!). To make it simple, Think it's a closed area. !

---

---