Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Mongolian culture. There may be plenty of tattoos now, but many are traditional Mongo-
lian designs and symbols.
In Ulaanbaatar many locals look like they've just stepped off the streets of New York
or London, so convincing is their Western fashion sense. But talk to them and you'll soon
realise that their hopes and dreams lie not only in the West but also in the future of Mon-
golia, its success, prosperity and the continuation of its unique culture.
The 'haircut ceremony'
(usnii nair)
is a traditional rite of passage for Mongolian children.
Their heads are shaved (girls at the age of two and boys at the age of three) and a spe-
cial party is held in their honour. The person who cuts the hair must have been born in a
year that corresponds to the child's year, and lamas sometimes come to the ceremony
and read prayers. Afterwards, the hair is usually burnt.
