Cultural Overview Of Mongolia

Mongolia is a very traditional society and the Mongolian way of life is almost inextricably linked with a nomadic, pastoral existence. It’s a simple, uncomplicated life, most people live in tent-like yurts and are either farmers or sheep herders with a heavy dependence on religion.  Nearly all aspects of life clubbed under the term 'culture’ - food, sports, art, handicrafts, dances, music, literature, festivals and rituals - are either linked to religion or to the nomadic way of life, where it’s literally a question of the survival of the fittest. Thus, culture in Mongolia is not so often represented by a sense of aesthetics as it is governed by practicality - their clothes, such as the unisex del, are designed for comfort and warmth instead of beauty; their food, high in calories to endure sub-zero temperatures. The most popular sports - wrestling, archery and riding- are  sports which develop skills necessary to survive against the elements and hostile enemies. It’s a very tough, very hardy style of life - far different from the delicate, aesthetic cultures of neighbouring China and Korea.

Most of Mongolia’s traditional arts and crafts are directly related to the pastoral lifestyle of the people. Animal husbandry is one of the most important occupations in the country and animal products are high on the list of items produced locally. As far as crafts are concerned, leather ware- including shoes and bags- are bestsellers. Wooden dolls, games and puzzles, woollens, traditional clothing, paintings (both water and oil) and carpets are among the other traditional handicrafts.