Taboo customs of the Mongolian people on the grassland
The Mongolians worship fire, fire god and kitchen god, believing that fire, fire god or kitchen god are holy objects that drive away demons and avoid evil. Therefore, after entering the yurt, it is forbidden to bake your feet on the stove, and it is not allowed to bake your boots and shoes wet next to the stove. You are not allowed to cross the stove or step on the stove. You are not allowed to crack cigarette bags, throw things, or throw dirt on the stove. You cannot use a knife to raise the fire, insert a knife into the fire, or use a knife to remove meat from the pan.
water taboo
The Mongolians believe that water is a pure god. It is forbidden to wash hands or bathe in the river, let alone wash women's dirty clothes, or throw unclean things into the river. Grasslands are dry and lack of water, so they are grazed by water and grass. Without water, they cannot survive. Therefore, herdsmen are accustomed to saving water, pay attention to keeping water clean, and regard water as the source of life.
Disease taboo
When a herdsman has a seriously ill or critically ill person in his family, he usually hangs a rope on the left side of the yurt and buries one end of the rope on the east side, indicating that there is a seriously ill person in the family and does not entertain guests.
production taboo
A taboo for Mongolian women when giving birth to children. Customs in various places are similar. Mongolian women do not allow outsiders to enter the delivery room when giving birth. Generally, a clear sign should be hung under the eaves. Boys are hung with bows and arrows, and girls are hung with red cloth strips. Guests will no longer enter the delivery room when they see the sign.
Avoid pushing the threshold
When visiting a herdsman's house, you are never allowed to step on the threshold when entering or leaving a yurt. Mongolians in rural and semi-pastoral areas also have this taboo. In ancient times, anyone who mistakenly stepped on the threshold of the Mongolian Khan Palace was executed. This taboo custom continues to this day.
Avoid touching your head
Mongolian people avoid touching children's heads by strangers. The old concept is that if a stranger's hands are not clean, if he models a child's head, it will be detrimental to the child's healthy development.
Avoid beating dogs
When visiting a herdsman's house, you should walk slowly around the yurts, wait for the owner to take out the bag to welcome them, and watch the dog before getting off the horse to prevent the dog from rushing over and biting people. You must not beat dogs, scold dogs, or break into yurts.
Taboo for visiting
Although herdsmen are hospitable, they also have many taboos as guests. When guests enter the yurts, they should pay attention to their clothes and never roll up their sleeves or tuck their skirts into their belts. You are not allowed to enter with the whip in your hand. You must place the whip on the right side of the yurt door and place it upright. After entering a yurt, avoid sitting in front of a Buddhist shrine. Otherwise, the owner will treat the guests coldly and think that the guests do not understand etiquette and customs and do not respect national customs.