Elders’ Day in Mongolia

When did the Elders’ Day in Mongolia start?

The first recorded date of Elders’ Day in Mongolia being celebrated on October 1 was in the year 2002.

About Elders’ Day in Mongolia Holiday

Today marks the beginning of Elders’ Day, a special occasion celebrated each year in Mongolia. On this day, the people of Mongolia come together and honour the elderly individuals who contributed countless selfless deeds to society. It is our way of showing appreciation and respect for their wisdom, dedication, and commitment to the well-being of others.

Throughout the day, families gather in their homes or in formal celebrations to pay homage to those who dedicated their lives to the empowerment of their community and the nation of Mongolia. Many ceremonies are held to extol the virtues of those individuals, including speeches, traditional music and dance performances, and songs of appreciation in both local dialects and English. Even those unable to physically attend participate in spirit throughout the celebrations.

Elders’ Day is a day of celebration, reverence, and gratitude in Mongolia—a day of honoring those who have paved the way to a better future for the Mongols. Let’s join together and honor the noble citizens who have shaped our culture and society. Let’s reflect on their impact and cherish the memories they left with us.

Elders’ Day in Mongolia

History and Origin

Elders’ Day in Mongolia is celebrated annually on the twenty-fifth of October, as part of the nationwide celebration of Tsagaan Sar (White Month). Tsagaan Sar is a Lunar New Year celebration that varies in date depending on the position of the moon. It is celebrated on the first full moon of the year, which is usually in the second half of February. The celebration of elders on the twenty-fifth of October is part of the original traditions of Tsagaan Sar.

Elders’ Day is a tradition that was developed centuries ago to honour and celebrate the elderly members of the community. It is a way of showing respect and gratitude for those who have gone before us and set the foundation for future generations. In many Mongolian families, the elders are treated with much reverence and respect, and they are given the honour of being the first to enjoy any new meals or treats.

In Mongolia, the celebration has traditionally been a one-day event where members of the community come together to celebrate the elderly. Each family brings gifts for the elderly, such as traditional foods, hand-woven textiles, or special treats. The celebration usually begins with a prayer for the wellbeing of the elders followed by a traditional meal or feast.

Significance and Meaning

In Mongolia, Elders’ Day has a deep meaning and significance that goes beyond just a day of celebration for the elderly. It is a day to acknowledge and celebrate the wisdom and knowledge of the elderly, and to show respect for the contributions they have made to the community. The celebration of Elders’ Day highlights the fact that the elderly are an important part of Mongolian culture and society, and that they are an integral part of the community.

Elders’ Day is also a time to remember and honour those who are no longer with us. It is a time to reflect on their lives and the lessons we have learned from them. It is a day of remembrance and reflection, and a reminder of the importance of cherishing the elderly and valuing their contributions to the community.

Traditions and Celebrations

Elders’ Day in Mongolia is a day filled with traditional customs and activities. Families begin the day by gathering together to pay their respects to their elders with an offering known as qadakh, which is a traditional food made of wheat, butter, and milk.

In many families, the day is also filled with special rituals and games designed to entertain and honour the elders. The most popular of these is a game called darhii, which involves racing horses around a track with two riders on each horse. The winner of each heat is awarded a prize, and the winner of the entire race receives a special honour.

In some families, a special display of traditional Mongolian textiles is put up for the elders. This is known as the Long White Banner exhibition, and is a display of intricate and beautiful weavings that honour the elderly.

Geographical Spread

Elders’ Day in Mongolia is celebrated mainly in the northern parts of the country. In the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, as well as in rural towns and villages, families come together to celebrate the day in traditional ways.

Elders’ Day is also observed in the southern Gobi Desert, as well as in the valley of the Khan Khudag in the east of Mongolia. In these regions the custom is slightly different, with families gathering together to have a campfire and roast meat together.

In some regions, Elders’ Day is celebrated with a traditional Mongolian wrestling tournament, where members of the community show off their strength and agility.

Modern Day Observations

Elders’ Day in Mongolia has evolved over the years, and is now celebrated in a more modern way. In recent years, families have begun to exchange gifts and digital cards to honour their elderly members, and some families have even started to hold special parties for the elderly.

In Ulaanbaatar, there are also special celebrations and events held on Elders’ Day. There are performances by traditional dancers, concerts, and the elderly are given the chance to take part in a number of activities. In recent years, there has also been an increase in ‘adopt an elder’ programs, where people come together to support and care for the elderly in their community.

Interesting Facts or Trivia

• In Mongolian culture, the right hand is always used to offer gifts to the elderly because the left hand is considered to be unlucky.
• Elders’ Day is traditionally celebrated with the offering of koumiss, which is an alcoholic drink made from fermented mare’s milk.
• The traditional offering of qadakh to the elders is believed to bring good luck to the family.
• Elders’ Day is celebrated in other parts of Central Asia, such as Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.
• There is a traditional Mongolian song that is sung on Elders’ Day, which celebrates the wisdom and knowledge of the elders.
• Most Mongolians honor the elders in their family with an offering of a bowl of yogurt on Elders’ Day.
• In Mongolian culture, the elderly are referred to as “fathers” or “grandfathers” and the younger generation is referred to as “children” or “grandchildren.”
• In some parts of Mongolia, the traditional game of darhii is still popular on Elders’ Day.
• In some rural areas, families travel from village to village to greet their elderly relatives and give them gifts.

Holiday Wishes

• May the grace of the elders continue to be with us.
• May your family be blessed with joy and love on this special day.
• May your journeys in life be guided by the wisdom of the elders.
• May the elders be blessed with good health and longevity.
• May the day be filled with peace and harmony in every family.

Holiday Messages

• May the celebrations of Elders’ Day bring joy to all of us.
• Wishing you good luck and happiness on this special day.
• May your family be blessed with harmony and love today.
• Let us honor our elders with a day of celebration and gratitude.
• May the love and respect of our elders continue to guide us.

Holiday Quotes

• “A single day of a life of an elder should be celebrated and loved more than that of a young person’s.” -Anonymous
• “The life of an elder is the best part of life, as lives were aged and hugely respected.” -Anonymous
• “Life without an elder is like a ship without a captain, never able to stay on the course.” -Anonymous
• “Respect your elders, because they have more life experiences and can give you great advice to succeed.” -Anonymous
• “The elders are the strength of a nation and the bonds of a family.” -Anonymous

Other Popular Holiday Info

In Mongolia, it is customary to wear traditional Mongolian clothing on the day of Elders’ Day. It is also customary to hold a special prayer in honour of the elderly. In some parts of Mongolia, such as in Khovd and Uvs provinces, the day is celebrated with a traditional wrestling festival.

Elders’ Day is an important part of Mongolian culture, and it is a time to remember and honour the elderly. It is a reminder to treasure and cherish the knowledge and wisdom of the elders, and to cherish the memories we have shared with them.