Монгол цагаан идээний бэлгэдэл утгын тайлал

Symbolism and Interpretation of Mongolian Dairy Products

Abstract

1. According to above mentioned graphs, the most important one is three liquids, the second is three soft ones and the third is three solids by their symbolic aspects/sequences. This reflects the sequences of making dairy products and setting the table for honorable guests. Therefore ‘eezgii’ which was made from sour milk is sequenced at last.

2. Seeing from the division of labor, household chores related to mare’s milk are among duties of men, thus symbolizes the householder’s fortune and success and involvement in worshiping the Eternal Heaven. Meanwhile chores related to other livestock’s milk are generally referred as women’s duties and symbolize the housewives’ relatives and involvement in worshipping the ancestral spirits.
3. By the direction symbolism, it has binary opposition as south-east of a ger symbolizes the lavishness of food and northeast of a ger symbolizes the abundance in clothing.

4. Dairy products have been daily food for Mongolians during the centuries; also they were used as dry and liquid forms of the wartime ration for soldiers.