While the calendar year of 2019 is well underway, many Asian cultures are now celebrating the Lunar New Year, and Mongolian communities are no different. The Tsagaan Sar celebration sees Mongolians herald the end of a harsh Winter with gifts, love and ceremony.
Tsagaan Sar is one the most popular traditional festivities in Mongolia to celebrate the Lunar New Year. It heralds the first day of Spring in Mongolia, typically a relief for the herders, nomads and other Mongolians who have endured the freezing Winter, where temperatures regularly dip below -35C.
This White Moon Festival (the literal translation of 'Tsagaan Sar') is also one of the most keenly awaited times of the year for Mongolia's elderly people. It is expected that during this time of year, all of one's younger relatives are to visit, pay respects and learn customs and traditions from the older generations. It is also a perfect opportunity to maintain familial connections, as well as get to know the newest children and spouses of the family.
Mongolian Community are coming to celebrate Tsagaan Sar Festival in Sydney, NSW. Source: SBS Mongolian
Tsagaan Sar customs can continue for days, weeks and even months, depending on the family or community in question. Though, it is the first three days of the period where the closest family members gather to complete their traditions.
In Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital, where almost half of the population resides, Tsagaan Sar marks the city’s busiest time of the year. Colourful traditional costumes known as ‘deel’ are worn, and Mongolians consume plenty of food, with steamed dumplings called ‘buuz’ the main dish of choice.
It’s a joyous time, as kisses, hugs and presents are exchanged. People also enjoy traditional sporting events with their families and cheer for their favourite wrestlers, archers and horses.
Perhaps the most remarkable part of the Tsagaan Sar custom is the ceremonial greeting shared by Mongolians young and old. Instead of simple handshakes, Mongolians extend both hands with their palms turned upwards. Youngsters place their hands below the hands of older family members as a demonstration of respect, integrity and honour. It also signifies that the younger generation will show care and support as the elderly continue to age.
Wrestlers are getting ready for their battles Source: SBS Mongolian
Familiar sights throughout Tsagaan Sar include the ‘khadag’, a blue scarf symbolic of an eternally blue sky and ‘khuurug’, the exchange and use of snuff bottles.
Mongolians in many different countries, including Australia, are currently celebrating Tsagaan Sar by coming together as a community.
Younger member of the family greets elderly. Source: GOGO News
The Mongolian Association in Sydney has hosted an annual celebration which, this year, was held on on Sunday, February 3 at Tempe Park in New South Wales.
“It is imperative that we celebrate the unique culture every year to educate our children of the traditions and customs,” Budeekhuu Enkhbayar, Chair of Mongolian Association in Australia tells SBS Mongolian. “I think these events are the best times of the year we get to network with each other, exchange experiences and have some fun, too.”
The event’s opening speech was made by Mongolia's Ambassador to Australia, His Excellency Mr Batlai Chuluunhuu.
Exchange of Snuff Bottles as a way of greetings Source: SBS Mongolian
“I was delighted to open this cultural event for the community and I really love that the number of Mongolians are expanding in Australia to attend this cultural event,” said the ambassador. “This indicates how favourable the Australian environment is for Mongolians that we can celebrate our values, share our traditions and expand our families.”
Overall, Tsagaan Sar is a time for Mongolian people to take extra care of one another, strengthen family and community bonds, and celebrate a new season.
Chair of Mongolian Association in Ausstralia Budeekhuu Enkhbayar (left) and Mongolia's Ambassador to Australia Batlai Chuluunkhuu (right) Source: SBS Mongolian
As they say in Mongolia, “Sar shinedee saikhan shineleerei,” or Happy Tsagaan Sar!
