МОНГОЛЧУУДЫН ГЭРИЙН БАГАНАТАЙ ХОЛБООТОЙ ЗАН ҮЙЛ

Abstract

In this article, the author examines the different customs of the Mongols, associated with the pillar of the Ger. Direct purpose of the pillar is the protection of the ger from tipping over due to hurricanes. However, the Mongols have numerous customs using the pillar for other purposes. Among them, the treatment of animals against diseases using the pillar, protection from different disasters, undesired events, treatment of people of their ailments. The author believes that these practices are associated with ancient Mongolian system of believe – tengrianstvo or tengrism. According to tengrism the world has composion of three levels: upper, midlle and lower. Upper level is populated by the tengers, in the midlle level or world live humans and all creatures with hot blood. At the bottom are various devils, demons and ongons. Ger was thought by Mongolians as a model of the world structure. Upper part of the ger from top of wall (lattice wall) to the toono (compression or center ring) is thought as upper world. Midlle part of the ger between bottom and top of wall is middle world. Below the surface of the floor is lower world. Pillar is based on that surface. The pillar connects all three parts of Ger (of the World) and is thought as having magical forces. Because of this understanding Mongolians apply pillar of the Ger in different situations as a savior. Pillars are made mostly of birch or willow. It is believed these trees connect all three levels of the world. So people revered these trees. In the mind of people, among the trees birch and willow, it occupies a special place. Thunders not hit these trees. Therefore, people may think that these trees are “heavenly”. Therefore, Mongolians do pillar for their ger of birch and revere it. People use the pillar as an instrument of magic spells. For example, when the late birth of animals, easily touching the belly say spell words. In different regions of Mongolia widespread such practices.