Tsaagan Tsar (White Moon)
It's that magical time of year in Mongolia where they celebrate their traditional new year. You eat a TON of Buuz (sounds like boats) which is meat encased in flour and boiled, Borzik (it's a bread), other types of breads I don't know the names of and various cheese products like arro (a hard cheese like food) and vodka...so much vodka you won't want to look at it ever again. Friday night, my third Khasha sister came in from UB. I went over about 9pm and excused myself at 10 so that I could get a good nights rest required to visit 8 families in one day. I woke up at 7 determined to be ready at said time (8) and managed to actually be ready at 8:30 and still waited in my Khasha families house till around 9 when we left. I was told the first house we would visit would be the eldest of the family. We got to the Ger (which was a four wall) smaller than mine and I stepped inside to see people squished in every crevice and space. I counted over 30 people. After saying "Amar baino" a customary greeting for the new year, to everyone around the Ger I squeezed in myself. Sue ta tea (milk tea) was served and then came the buuz and vodka, meat and arrow. I received a small gift of chocolate and a small amount of money with all the other children and young adults. 45 minutes we were out the door and on our way to the next house. The same food and drink was served at each place with variations of salads and pickle meat plates. When we got to my house (again the order goes oldest to youngest) I still had three houses to go. Brittany came to participate and I opened up my Ger to the family. The first one in said something about cleaning my carpet (which was a tad mortifying) however, only being able to sweep the carpet doesn't allow for a thorough clean so I somewhat agree. After visiting (with Brittany) the last couple of houses my khasha dad decided to come in and start my fire. The night ended with a game a chess and Brittany and I absolutely exhausted from all the food and drink. It was a fantastic day!
On Sunday, my supervisor Dashka wanted me to visit her around 4. I did not know where she lived but my family indicated she would be visiting me up around 3 (it was 3:30 when I found this out). Panicked I called Brittany to get Vodka and I cleaned like a maniac. When Brittany got there we went to my families house to wait. More vodka, more buuz. Around 5:30 we decided to go to my Ger and watch a movie and around 6 we made some spaghetti because we were starved. 10 minutes later we heard a knock on the door and were told to hurry up and our ride was there. When we got outside Daskha was not there but a car was so we got in. We were wondering if this white jeep would in fact take us to the right place but since we were already in, there was really nothing we could do but sit back and enjoy the ride. 5 minutes later we pulled up to a concrete Ger with an entryway. We walked in and were greeted by Daskha (thank god). Immediately we were in awe of the unique structure. It looked similar to a Ger but it was concrete, there were windows, a nice kitchen area, two huge couches, one queen sized bed, a flat screen, rugs, pictures hung on the wall and the windows at the top of the Ger. It was also complete with a woodstove. The Ger/house also did not have running water. It was a typical Ger with a new school feel. At some point into our visit, with pev (beer), vodka, wine, juice and tons of food, someone brought out the scissors and a hair cutting ceremony ensued for the 2 year old. It was great! She took the money (it's customary to give some) given to her and slid it in her deel. It was as if she knew exactly what was going on. It was a really neat experience!
It should also be noted that for the entire month of February Tsaagan Tsar continues. On weekends families and friends visit eachother and the celebration continues!
Cousins or Uncles? Not really sure...
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