You are almost inevitably going to encounter
the residents of the countryside. Things move slowly here
and the standards of living you are used to are not the same.
Part of Mongolia's charm is its ancient customs and traditions.
If you can learn and respect them before you step into the
countryside, then you may get a more welcome reception. You
may also become a small part in helping to preserve these
traditions for future visitors.
Don't
-
let a post or fence come
between you if you are walking with Mongolians
-
whistle inside a ger or
house belonging to a Mongolian
-
let your feet point in
the direction of the altar (which will be in the north side)
when sitting in a ger
-
let people walk over your
outstretched legs tread on the threshold of the ger when
you walk over it
-
lean against a support
column furniture or wall of the ger stamp out a fire or
put water or any rubbish on it; fire is sacred
-
walk in front of an older
person
-
turn your back to the altar
and religious objects at the back of the ger
-
touch other people's hats
-
have long conversations
in your own language in front of hosts who don't understand
it
-
point a knife in the direction
of anyone
-
pass anything to a Mongolian
with just two fingers
-
take food from a plate
with your left hand
-
wave you sleeve as it is
a mark of protest or extend the little finger of your right
hand, as this is a sign of disrespect
-
keep your hat on when entering
a ger, if you are wearing one, but lift it as a sign of
greeting
-
receive things with the
right hand or both hands and ensure that your sleeves are
rolled down
-
ensure you remove your
gloves when shaking hands, if you are wearing them
-
walk round inside the ger
in a clockwise direction
-
receive food, a gift or
anything similar from a Mongolian with both hands or with
the right hand supported at the wrist or elbow
-
take at least a sip or
nibble of the delicacies offered pick up things with an
open hand, with your palm facing upwards
-
grab the hand of a Mongolian
if you have accidentally kicked their feet sit with your
feet underneath you of cross-legged
-
leave a small gift, other
than money, for your hosts
