When did the Independence Day in Mongolia start?
About Independence Day in Mongolia Holiday
Independence Day in Mongolia is an important occasion that commemorates the nation’s freedom. On November 26th, every year, the country comes together to honor Mongolia’s sovereignty and show appreciation for the hard-earned freedom.
The event has a deep historical meaning to Mongolians. On the same date in 1921, Mongolia declared its independence from China and USSR. The Mongolian People’s Revolutionary Party declared it, thus producing a new era in the history of Mongolia.
The annual festivities of Independence Day are a wonderful experience. There are parades and many traditional activities for locals and visitors alike. Concerts, exhibitions, and cultural events are also organized in the major cities of the country. The people wear traditional dresses, listen to music, dance, and have fun. All of these activities are warm and memorable reminders of Mongolian pride and independence.
Independence Day in Mongolia
History and Origin
Mongolia is known for celebrating its Independence Day on 11 July. This holiday commemorates the 1921 proclamation of Mongolian People’s Republic. This marks the beginning of Mongolian independence from the Chinese People’s Republic. On February 1, 1946, the republic would become the Mongolian People’s Republic as it was established in April of 1924. After the independence from the Qing dynasty was achieved in 1911, the country remained divided in the hands of Inner and Outer Mongolian factions. The two sides would fight intermittently, and the situation eventually reached a point of no return when Chinese warlord Huang Balu attacked Outer Mongolia in July of 1919. For two years, disgruntled Mongolian partisans fought and eventually achieved victory, paving the way for their own People’s Republic.
As Mongolia was being established, the leader of the People’s Revolution, Khorloogiin Choibalsan, was elected as the first prime minister of the country on 12 July 1921, making 11 July the official Independence Day. Since its proclamation, Mongolia has faced many challenges, from civil unrest in the early 1930s to foreign domination from 1936 to 1945. However, the Mongolian people have kept fighting and managed to survive with their democracy intact.
Significance and Meaning
Independence Day is a significant holiday for all Mongolian citizens, no matter their origin or nationality. This day serves as a reminder of the freedom that has been retained and the sacrifices of lives that were lost in the process. It encourages individuals to remain vigilant and united in the face of adversity. The holiday highlights the importance of patriotism, democracy, and justice within the country. In a way, it acts as a form of national reset, where the citizens are encouraged to move forward with their disagreements resolved and their differences embraced.
Traditions and Celebrations
Independence Day is celebrated in a variety of ways across Mongolia. The day typically begins with a traditional ceremony that takes place in Ulaanbaatar, the capital city, at the National Museum. National flags are raised in honor, and wreaths are laid at the monument of renowned figures who fought for the country’s independence. People often organize parades and celebrations throughout the day in the streets of Ulaanbaatar. These festivities are accompanied by music, dancing, and plenty of food.
Although the Independence Day is celebrated mainly in the capital, other parts of the country also observe the holiday in their own way. Inner Mongolia celebrates the day with feasts and social gatherings. Outer Mongolia marks the day with traditional horse races, often accompanied by hunting. In the south, many rural areas continue to uphold centuries-old spiritual practices to honor the past and protect their future.
Geographical Spread
Independence Day is widely celebrated in Mongolia. It is most prominently observed in Ulaanbaatar, the capital city. There are numerous events and activities that take place here, from musical performances and parades to feasts and funerals.
The holiday is also widely celebrated in the remote and rural parts of the country. Inner Mongolia is known for its generous feasts and social gatherings in honor of the holiday. Meanwhile, Outer Mongolia celebrates with a traditional horse race. Additionally, rituals and spiritual activities are also held in the southern regions of the country to mark the independence of Mongolia.
Modern Day Observations
In modern-day Mongolia, Independence Day is still recognized as a significant national holiday. While the parades and events launched in Ulaanbaatar each year to celebrate the occasion still honor the importance of the day, the current observances have changed due to the evolution of Mongolian culture.
Today, many festivities take place both in the city and in the countryside. For instance, in the capital, there are fireworks displays, musical performances, and massive feasts. However, there is a much greater emphasis on inner reflection and remembrance in modern observances. While traditional activities like horse races and hunting are still honored, there is a growing movement to prioritize peace and unity within the country.
Interesting Facts or Trivia
• Mongolia has been celebrating Independence Day since 1922, making it one of the oldest uninterrupted holiday celebrations in the world.
• Every Independence Day, the famous Ulaanbaatar Naadam Festival is held, bringing together the nomadic and urban cultures of the country.
• In the past, it was customary for Mongolian settlers to perform archery, dance, and wrestle on Independence Day. Nowadays, these activities are still held, but with various modifications.
• A large feast is held every Independence Day in honor of the country’s independence from the Qing dynasty.
• A new monument was built in Ulaanbaatar to symbolize the independence of Mongolia in 2011.
• Every year, the Mongolian Government sponsors a variety of activities to commemorate the holiday, from car rallies to open-air performances.
• In order to make the holiday even more meaningful to the population, many local organizations and businesses offer discounts and special promotions in their stores.
Holiday Wishes
• May the freedom of our nation be everlasting on this Independence Day!
• Wishing you a wonderful 11 July!
• Let’s honor the country’s independence and pride on this day.
• May the spirit of Independence Day remain in our hearts!
• Happy Independence Day! Celebrate peace and unity!
Holiday Messages
• Happiness today, and pride forever. Celebrating Independence Day!
• Here’s to the Brave and United in Mongolia.
• Wishing peace and prosperity in our Great Nation!
• Celebrating the freedom of Mongolian hearts and voices!
• Let’s celebrate how far our nation has come!
Holiday Quotes
• “Mongolians should remember their citizenship – their identity – and not forget the freedom they have fought for.” – Phurba Wangbu
• “We must stay strong and vigilant if we are to protect our independence.” – Temüjin
• “Freedom is so strong that it echoes through our generations and is remembered in its legacy.” – Sönam Tobdan
• “The only way for a nation to preserve its freedom is to be ready to sacrifice for it.” – Badamuchin
• “The independence of a nation is a long-term process which needs us to be united and determined.” – Undraa Myagmar
Other Popular Holiday Info
Mongolia celebrates two similar holidays which are often confused with Independence Day – Flag Day and Constitution Day. Flag Day is held annually on the 19th of January and honors the official adoption of the Mongolian flag in1992. Constitution Day is held annually on the 1st of December to honor the adoption of the Mongolian Constitution of 1960. Both days are celebrated with similar festivities as Independence Day, but focus more on cultural elements and promoting national pride rather than recalling the historical importance of independence.
When it comes to symbols, the horse and the historical figures who fought for independence are the most iconic. Mongolia is particularly known for its horses, and their importance in preserving independence traditions and forming hands-on and emotional connections to the past. To honor the fighters for independence, statues and monuments funded by the state have been built around the country.
The impact of Independence Day in Mongolia can be seen in the country’s attitude and collective consciousness. It is a reminder of the many lives that were lost in the pursuit of freedom, and the courage of the people who continue to spread the flame of Mongolian freedom. Independence Day stands for national pride, economic progress, and political stability. It is a reminder that a small country can have a big impact, and that its people can remain united in the face of gains and losses.
Independence Day in Mongolia Also Called
The Naadam Holiday.
FUN FACT:
In year 1921, Independence Day in Mongolia is celebrated on December 29 for the first time.HOLIDAY CHECK: We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, please click here to contact us!