North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region is well-known not only for its natural beauty, but also for its intangible cultural heritage. Here are six heritages from Inner Mongolia that are precious in terms of cultural value and historic influence.
Erdos wedding ceremony
The wedding ceremony from the Erdos region is thought to date back to the 15th century. Nowadays, the ceremony has evolved into a unique custom that is rich in Inner Mongolia's cultural heritage.
The wedding involves a series of special ceremonial rituals, such as presenting a traditional scarf, known as the Hada, for engagement, greeting the son-in-law, offering sheep and asking for the mother's blessing. The procedures have been well preserved throughout centuries.
The wedding embodies the Mongolian ceremonious characters and various other ethnic traditions.
Sacrificial ceremony to Genghis Khan
Located in Erdos in Inner Mongolia, the Genghis Khan mausoleum is a sacred place to pay tribute to Genghis Khan.
After his death in 1227, Genghis Khan was buried secretly according to the local custom. To commemorate the great leader, Mongolian people built the "Eight White House" consisting of eight mobile white yurts in the north desert.
A ceremony is held once a year to worship the Mongolian people's ancestor and hero Genghis Khan. It has various forms, including offering animals and lighting fires. There are some precious sacrificial utensils used, a testimony of Mongolian people's love of nature and animals.
The ceremony reflects Mongolian national sentiment, and testifies to the eternity of their culture.
Nadam fair
Nadam fair, a huge traditional Mongolian festival, originated in the early days of the 13th century. Nadam means "entertainment' or "recreation" in the Mongolian language.
A "Huli Letai" (big meeting) was held by Mongol leaders every month to make laws and regulations and appoint and remove officials. They also took part in a large Nadam Fair. In 1206, a grand Nadam Fair was held when Genghis Khan was elected as the Mongolian Khan.
Since the first fair, the "three skills" of wrestling, horse-racing and archery, have been a central part of the Nadam activities. In the past, winners of the three sports would be given horses, camels, sheep, brick tea and silk as prizes.
Nowadays, more activities have been added, such as polo, horsemanship, track and field, and other ball competitions.
It is always held in summer or autumn (usually July or August) when the grasslands are beautiful and flocks and herds are ready for tallow. It can run for up to a week.
