Mongolian Nationality
The Mongolian people, who are the main body of the population of Inner Mongolia, have their own traditional social customs and etiquette which are especially imbued with the characteristics of honesty, courtesy and hospitality. When they meet a guest, they warmly shake hands with him and say "Tasain bainu" (which means "How do you do" in Mongolian). When the guest gets into the yurt, the housewife presents him a bowl of milk tea with both her hands and then puts all kinds of dairy food on the table in front of the guest.When the guest leaves, all the family get out of the yurt to say to him "Good-bye and wish you a good trip".
The Mongolian Yurt
The Mongolian Yurt, called "a vaulted tent" or "felt tent" in the ancient times, is a domed pealed tent. The frame of the yurt is a supporting ring, formed by some wooden poles. The wooden poles are fastened with leather thongs and studs to form a fence-like structure (which are called "Hana" in Mongolian). The frame of the yurt is covered with thick felt fastened from outside the yurt with ropes. Every yurt has an opening on the top, which provides both light and ventilation, and a wooden door facing south or southeast.
Dress and Personal Adornment
In order to adapt themselves to the natural conditions, the Mongolian people have developed their unique national costume which consists of the loose sleeved tunic, the long sash, Mongolian boot and head ornaments. The Mongolian women often wear head-dress while they visit their friends and relatives. The head-dress is make of agate, pearls, coral, jadeite, gem, gold and silver, with which many different beautiful patterns and formed.
It is customary for the Mongolian women to wrap their heads in scarlet or green silk. The Mongolian men wear hats with heavy ear-flags in winter. The robes worn by Mongolian people have high collars and long loose sleeves, reach below the knees and button down at the right breast. The sash is often worn round the waist to match the robe. The materials of the robes can be silk, satin or cotton cloth. They are suitable for riding horses.
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