New Year’s Eve Lunar New Year
In the old days Tsagaan Sar was named “bituun” (day without moon) with all the unfinished business that should be solved during the day. To prepare for New Year’s Eve, families make a hearty feast of lamb, layering traditional cakes on large odd-numbered plates, garnished with sweets and dairy products.
On the table are the fermented horse milk drink Airag, rice cooked with curd, steamed buns… The Mongols believe that plenty of food and drink symbolizes a prosperous life in the coming year.
New Year’s Eve prepare thoughtfully all kinds of food and drinks.
The Bittun ceremony begins after sunset. People wear new, clean clothes, sit around the table and eat as much as they can. Neighbors, relatives and family can also visit each other. During the meal, the elderly tell their children and grandchildren folk stories and myths. Family members also play traditional games.
A special custom is for families to place 3 pieces of bandages and hay in the doorway to the god Baldan Lham, believing that the deity visits them on New Year’s Eve Tsagaan Sar. You can see this custom when you go through Tsagaan Sar with families living in gers (Mongolian round tents).
The first day of Tsagaan Sar
On the first day of the new year, people wake up before sunrise, put on their best clothes, and head towards the specified direction according to the zodiac to start the new year in the right direction. This custom is said to bring good luck, good health and safety for the coming year.
Next, the men climb the mountain or hill near their house to catch the first sunrise. Women boil milk tea and worship the earth, then serve food to family members. They put cooked large and small dumplings on the table, then begin the New Year’s greetings ritual.
Young people perform ‘Zolgolt’ greetings with adults.
Mongols perform a greeting ritual called ”Zolgolt” on Tsagaan Sar day. Tsagaan Sar holiday officially lasts 3 days. People often visit their parents, grandparents and elderly relatives. The first 15 days of the new year are very important in which, on the 7th day of Tsagaan Sar, people do not go out of the house. On the occasion of Tet, many people come to pagodas and monasteries to hear prayers and chant for peace for the new year.
Mongolians feel culturally and spiritually connected through rituals. This is the value of Tsagaan Sar. Visitors can travel to Mongolia to experience and celebrate the Lunar New Year as well as learn about their important cultural heritage on this occasion.