The Meaning and Significance of Tsagaan Sar in Mongolian Culture
- Enkhzaya Ganbold
- Jan 29, 2023
- 2 min read
Tsagaan Sar, or White Moon, is a traditional Mongolian holiday celebrated on the first day of the lunar New Year. It is a time of renewal, joy, and celebration. Tsagaan Sar is one of the most important and beloved holidays in Mongolia, and it is celebrated with great enthusiasm by Mongolians of all ages. The holiday is celebrated with a variety of traditional activities, including feasting, singing, dancing, and gift-giving. During the holiday, families gather to share a traditional meal of buuz (steamed dumplings) and boortsog (fried dough).
After the meal, people exchange gifts and greetings, and then the celebration continues with singing and dancing. Tsagaan Sar is also a time for honoring ancestors and paying respect to elders. During the holiday, people visit the graves of their ancestors and leave offerings of food and drink. They also visit the homes of their elders and offer them gifts and words of respect. The holiday is also a time for making wishes and setting goals for the coming year. As part of the celebration, people write down their wishes and resolutions on pieces of paper and hang them on a tree or a wall. This is a way of symbolically releasing their hopes and dreams into the universe.
The meal usually consists of boiled mutton, dumplings, and noodles. The boiled mutton is served with a variety of sauces and spices, such as garlic, onion, and cumin. Dumplings are filled with a combination of beef, lamb, and vegetables. Noodles are served with a variety of vegetables, such as carrots, onions, and peppers.In addition to the main dishes, Tsagaan Sar food also includes a variety of snacks and desserts. These include fried doughnuts, candied fruits, and sweetened yogurt. The traditional Tsagaan Sar drink is called suutei tsai, which is a salty milk tea.Tsagaan Sar food is an important part of the holiday and is an important way to show respect and appreciation for one another. The meal is a time for family and friends to come together and enjoy a delicious meal. The food is a reflection of the culture and customs of Mongolia, and is a great way to celebrate the start of the new year.
Tsagaan Sar is a time for coming together and celebrating the new year. It is a time for honoring the past, setting goals for the future, and celebrating the joys of life.
