7/13/20

Birthdays


 Birthday Images, Stock Photos & Vectors | Shutterstock
Birthdays


You are born to the light of the world
Time and date marked on the calendar
Celebrating once a year
With those you love
Childhood time, filled with excitement, savoring fun moments
Proud teenage years looking forward to feeling freedom
That comes with adult age
Funny happy childhood memories but you can’t go back
Goodbye to my childhood and teenage years
Reminiscent of youth
Holding it within my heart
Staying young in heart
Enjoy your celebrations
Regardless of age
Everyone enjoyed your celebrations of life
Living happily together in this world we call home
Celebrate regardless of age
Happy Birthday!

By: S. Uzmee 07.12.2020

4/20/20

The Lonely


Pin by Nicolle M on Illustrations | Art painting, Art, PaintingThe Lonely

I am not a single
ordinary little woman
I married a handsome, lovely husband
Given two beautiful children and a grandchild
I have a warm, cozy house
and own traveling vehicles
I am living in the land of opportunity, the dream country
Enjoying my life within this world
Sometimes I am secretly lonely in my heart
Missing my Mom and Dad
left toward heaven, thought they’d live with us
forever
I am also missing my lovely childhood friends
In breezy old Ulaanbaatar city streets
Talking and walking, enjoying the moment
Reminiscent of my childhood home
small and welcoming
No longer living under one roof forever
With my sisters and brothers
I dream about kind humanity
Hoping the kindness could come back to us
Wishing peace to settle upon the beautiful universe
From infants to the elderly, appreciate this world
I wake up to the sound of chirping birds
Sometimes, nobody guesses my inner loneliness
Only I understand myself, and I uplift myself
Living through this life


S. Uzmee 4.20.2020



3/30/19

Mixed





My daughter wrоte this poem while studying at the University of North Carolina at Asheville.  Far away from her home, missing her family and her culture, her poem just melted my heart. I love my daughter, and I am also very proud of her.  





Mixed

A longing to wander
To travel
To be anew
A love for the blue sky
Life-giver
It's in my blood
My mother taught me our culture
The Mongol way of life
Old and new
Ancient and modern
We are nomads naturally
Wishing to travel
Welcoming others with food and shelter
Serenity is found in the blue sky
So as my heart wanders
My mind is filled with curiosity
My blood is mixed
My father's face is white
His blood European
With only a small percentage of Cherokee
From his grandmother
My great-grandmother
Often, I was told I'm not enough
Not pure enough to be a proud Mongol
But my heart still wanders
I still yearn to travel
I still find comfort in the blue sky
I hear my mother singing
Mongolian lullabies
And still see our tapestry of
Genghis Khan in my old home
I have the Mongol flag proudly waving in my car
And I still hold love for both my countries 
Mongolia and America
I am a proud Mongol
Mixed blood does not make me any less
I am my mother's daughter
The daughter of a strong Mongol woman
With a stubborn mind, but a giving heart
I still hold dear the values I was taught
For I am Mongol
And I am proud

Written by Catherine T. Pigg  at UNCAsheville NC. 2018

2/10/19

Mongolian throat singing - Khoomii




Mongolian Throat Singing - Khoomii

Khoomi-throat singing: 



Natural sounds of a fundamental larynx vibrating can be done through the singer controlling their voice box. Tones at higher pitches makes the sound, the human voice is rich with harmonics. 

The Khoomi singer uses these fundamentals or base pitch to amplify their vocal range.

The Mongol Khoomi may be fascinating for foreigners. It is a musical, which can be delivered with a help of a guttural voice and specific way of breathing. One tone comes out as a whistle-like sound, the result of the locked breath in the chest being forced out through the throat in a specific way, while a lower tone sounds as a base. Khoomi consists of four different techniques, Khahiraa - this technique consists of pushing out air from one’s diaphragm to create a sound, Ishergee - which is a guttural bass whistling sound where the singer has a low embouchure, Narmai - where a singer has a sound coming out of their nose, Shahai - this is where a singer makes a high narrow sound through a steady stream of air making two tones come out at once. 








1/18/19

MY NATURE LAND

Writing by : D. Natsagdorj - Д.Нацагдарж 1906-1937
 Translated by: G. Rinchindorj - Г.Ренчиндорж  1925-1974
MY NATURE LAND
High stately mountains Khentei, Khangai and Soyon,
Forests and thick-wooded ridges-the beauty of the North,
The Great Gobi desert-the spaces of Menen, Sharga and Nomin,
And the oceans of sand deserts that dominate the South; 

This, this is my native land,
The lovely country – My Mongolia. 

The crystal rivers of sacred Kherlen, Onon and Tuul,
Brooks, streams and springs that bring health to all my people,
The blue lakes of Khovsgol, Uvs and Buir-deep and wide,
Rivers and lakes where people and cattle quench their thirst; 

This, this is my native land,
The lovely country – My Mongolia. 

The most beautiful rivers of Orkhon, Selenge and Khukhui,
Mountains and passes-the source of metals and stone,
Ancient structures and ruins of towns and fortresses,
Roads and highways running to distant countries; 

This, this is my native land,
The lovely country – My Mongolia. 

The high crowns of snow capped mountains shining from atar,
The endless virgin landscape under the clear blue sky,
The noble summits seen standing in the distance,
And the unbounded fields where one’s soul at last finds peace;

This, this is my native land,
The lovely country – My Mongolia. 

The vast land of Khalkha among the deserts and highlands,
Land where we rode along and across from the green days of our youth,
Towering mountain chains where deer and wolf are hunted,
And the finest valleys where splendid horses run; 

This, this is my native land,
The lovely country – My Mongolia. 

The land of pure grasses waving in the breeze,
The land of open steppes full of fantastic mirages,
Firm rocks and out-of-reach places where Good men used to meet,
And the ancient ovoos-the cairns to gods and ancestors; 

This, this is my native land,
The lovely country – My Mongolia. 

Land of pasture heavy with grass thin and pure,
Country where all may ride and drive at will,
Country where people live freely in all seasons of the year,
And the land of fertile soil, the five grains that grow, 

This, this is my native land,
The lovely country – My Mongolia. 

The finest mountains-the cradles where our ancestors lie,
Where we grew up and flourished,
The land where five kinds of animals wander in the plains,
And the land saturated with the soul generations of Mongols; 

This, this is my native land,
The lovely country – My Mongolia. 

Land where all is covered with snow and ice in winter,
And the grasses twinkle like glass and crystal,
Land where all is a carpet of flowers in summer,
And full of songbirds from the distant lands of the South; 

This, this is my native land,
The lovely country – My Mongolia. 

The rich land between the Altai and Khingan mountains,
The land where my father and mother lived and blessed for us in their passing,
The land peacefully growing under the golden Sun,
And sparkling forever under the silver Moon; 

This, this is my native land,
The lovely country – My Mongolia. 

Land of my ancestors from the time of the Hun and Sung,
Glorious land where might of the Blue Mongols was felt,
Land that has fitted us since the morning of time,
And the land overspread by Red Banner of New Mongolia; 

This, this is my native land,
The lovely country – My Mongolia. 

Homeland, known from birth and growing up, is land that we dearly love,
With every invader we turned back at the very gates,
Let us increase the might of our new-born people,
And on our merits build a newer world, 

This, this is my native land,
The lovely country – My Mongolia.
By: G. Renchindorj 1955.

11/16/18

Genghis Khan’s Government

Genghis Khan’s Government


Genghis Khan’s united Mongol nation formed the foundation of the largest continuous land empire ever known. A wise statesman, Genghis also established Mongolian-style democracy that respected the ethnic and cultural diversity of his Empire. His government left many long-lasting legacies:

Literacy and official record-keeping began with the first written Mongolian script, created by adapting the alphabet of the Uighur people of western Mongolia.

Councils of leaders and a “cabinet” of advisors drawn from different tribes and nations were held to establish policies and make decisions.

Laws and directions, supreme law over everyone. Ongoing body of legal work, reportedly forbade the kidnapping, declared all children legitimate, forbade the selling of women into marriage, required anyone finding a lost animal to return it to the rightful owner, provided a safety net for winter and hunters had to limit their hunt to what they need and no more, specified how animals should be hunted as well as the manner of butchering.  Genghis Khan made it clear that his Great law applied as strictly to the rules as to everyone else.

Tax all types of public service property the same tax exemptions to a range of professionals who provided essential public services, including undertakers, doctors, lawyers, teachers, scholars and leaders.


Religious freedom was extended to all denominations in the belief that the support of religious leaders would foster good relations with the people.

Service appointments were based on merit, regardless of nationality or connections.
International passports provided protection for the diplomatic representatives of any nation, facilitating safe passage and trade.

Rapid communication depended upon the mounted messenger service.


By; S. Uzmee







10/18/18

Who is Genghis Khan



Related image






Who is Genghis Khan

 Genghis Khan and his officers commanded an army estimated at over 100,000 men with whom they conquered most of the known world at that time. A modern marine saying is improvised, adapt and overcome - that is exactly what Genghis Khan and his men did. At the height of the Mongol Empire they had over 50 nationalities under their rule stretching from Europe to Asia.

      He was the best that the world had ever seen, no other military leader before or since him has accomplished as much. Yet it doesn’t stop there, he built an empire that lasted and grew for a century and a half after his death.

    His innovations changed warfare - at that point in time all countries depended on heavily fortified cities to protect from marauders - he perfected the art of siege warfare and siege engines to the point that he effectively ended the age of walled cities. He also relied on speed and mobility on the battlefield, the fighting techniques he used made the European Knights with their heavy armor obsolete. He initiated and coordinated the use of cavalry units well disciplined and able to move with lightning-like speed for the time.


By S.Uzmee Pigg





4/23/18

Mongolian contortionist



Mongolian contortionist

The art of contortionism in Mongolia goes back at least to the 13th Century. It was a favorite form of entertainment for the mighty Genghis Khan.  Contortion has built a unique reputation for itself as being one of the most outstanding traditional physical art forms of Mongolia.

One old Mongolian folktale speaks of a king that arranged a marriage for his daughter, she did not love him but her father would not listen – on her engagement day she went through her contortion routine, the intended groom saw it and was terrified to the degree he left and was not seen or heard from again.

Mongolian contortionists aspire to be number one in the world. Mongolian contortionists are touring with companies such as Circus Smirkus and Cirque du Soleil. Mongolian contortionists display the feat of flexibility and stretching as well as bending the body into unusual and various shapes, lines and positions.

Mongolian contortionist start training around 5 years of age three hours 5 days a week for at least 10 years to attain professional status. Mongolian contortionists have strong hands and neck muscles. Other countries contortionists show a few different poises. Mongolian contortionist show many different elements many positions showing off their flexibility which few in the world can match.

Mongolian contortionist body flexibility makes them look like they are made out of rubber their strong hands that support them like steel, very importantly is their sense of balance as they move their bodies into different positions, even their ankles are flexible.

Most people understand they are on a strict diet that is not correct - they eat like horses as they train hard and burn off the calories very fast. They have a very high protein intake. (Mongolian contortionist E.Mandakh.)


By: Uzmee Pigg at https://www.amazon.com/Great-Genghis-Khan-Mongolian-Culture-ebook/dp/B071L4B1DZ/ref=dp_kinw_strp_2

8/12/17

Text for Genghis Khan Exhibit volunteers – Ger (home)

                                  Text for Genghis Khan Exhibit volunteers – Ger (home) 
                                                at Discovery Place Charlotte NC

Nomadic families live in felt covered tents called “Gers” in Mongolian – Ger means house/home in the Mongolian Language – Russian speaking people call them “Yurts”. The traditional Ger on display is filled with antique objects of traditional Mongolian Nomadic Herders. For many centuries before Genghis Khan and up until now many Mongolians live as Nomads. Mongolian Nomads relocate at minimum three to four times a year with the seasons to find good grazing areas as well as water for their livestock. They still travel by horse and camel although now in modern times they use trucks as well. One third of all Mongolians still live as Nomads. Mongolia is the last horse based culture in the world. It only takes a few hours to assemble a Ger from its component parts by the Nomadic family. 

The weather in Mongolia is very dry, hot in summer and blistering cold in the winter. Additional layers of felt are added to insulate the Ger in temperatures that can dip below - 50 and sometimes with wind chill reaching below – 100 with strong winds from the north and west. The wood when it is available, dried animal dung when it is not is used to fuel the stove in the middle of the Ger. The traditional robes worn by Mongolians are called Dels, winter Dels are made and lined with wool for warmth against harsh conditions – silk sashes in various colors serve as belts. In other times of the year with moderate temperatures Dels are made from patterned silk of different colors. Traditional Mongolian boots have an upturned toe so as to not disturb the land as you pass through. Traditional headgear for men and women are embroidered rounded silk hats - the men will have an upright spire in the center of the top. Gers always face south in the Mongolian tradition, opposite the fierce winds. The door to the Ger is the only entrance and exit – it will have a colorful paint scheme. Traditionally when guests are expected the husband will sit on the north side of the Ger opposite the door, the wife will be on the right side tending the cooking and the guest will sit on the left side of the Ger. For Mongolians of the Buddhist faith, there will be a shrine on the North side of the Ger opposite the door. There will be paintings called Tankas, depicting Buddhist deities. Mongolian Buddhism like Tibetan Buddhism has many Gods and fables and respects the Dalai Lama as Buddha’s holy representative. 

Mongolian Nomads are very welcoming. Mongolia is the least populated country in all of the worlds with only 3 million people in a country half the size of the Continental United States. Conditions are very harsh. Nomads welcome visitors understanding that the food and shelter they offer can be life-saving. Visitors are always offered snuff from a man’s fancy curved snuff bottle. Visitors are traditionally served sweet camel’s milk tea, dried cheese and in celebration, fermented mare’s milk, a strong alcoholic drink called Airag. Nomads churn milk to make butter. They also make their own goat, sheep and yak cheese as well as yogurt from goat’s milk. Mutton is the staple of their diet. On the open steppe they will gut the sheep, skin it – heat stones then put the diced meat along with available vegetables and water back into the skin with the heated stones – sew it up and let it cook like a pressure cooker until the meal is ready – no pot needed. While nomads still live with equipment such as you see here, those who can afford it may have portable solar panels that power electric lights and even satellite TV. Mongolian children are also avid readers going through many books. Thanks to many regional schools, Mongolia has a higher literacy rate than the United States. A favorite game of Nomadic Mongolian children is a form of dice played with sheep ankle knuckle bones, depending on which side of the knuckle lands upward, a player may win or lose.

 Music is a big part of Mongolian life – Men may master throat singing, a strange sounding combination of two or more harmonies produced at the same time, one of them a low growl and the other a high whistling sound. Women sing the ‘long songs which have been passed down for centuries without ever have been written down. They may be the oldest continuously sung melodies in the world. Some Nomads learn to play the Morin Khuur - a horse hair fiddle. Genghis Khans army brought the playing of instruments with a bow to Europe. Before then Europeans only plucked the strings of their instruments. Mongolian men carry daggers in their silk belts along with leather containers for dry tinder and a stone to strike on rocks to start a fire. In the past nomads carried swords, now many have guns and rifles. Wolves are still a threat to their flocks. Traditionally some Nomads captured baby Golden Eagles and trained them to hunt. Mongolian traditional dances and dress costumes are elaborate. Some young girls also train in the traditional art of contortionism. 

Instead of horses some Nomads ride motorcycles; still nomads learn to ride expertly by the age of five. Mongolian nomads may have many children. Mongolia has the youngest population in the world with half of its population under the age of 25. Many young nomads abandon the traditional way of life and move to the city, Ulaanbaatar, where more than half of all Mongolians now live. 

The traditional ways of the Mongolian nomad will soon disappear. Contents of a Ger 19th century Ger and content; Collection of Gankhuyag Natsag. Arag – wooden basket Savar – wooden shovel fork, Chodor – horse hobble Bubil khos – horse halter Kholiin avdar – chest Khotnii buu – pistol in wooden box Buu – Rifle Emeel – saddle Khazaar – bridle Shagay khoo khuyag – ankle bone dice game Bogts – saddle bag Bogtsos tobloom – shank bone games Tanka painting – Yamataka Tanka painting – Tavan Khan Tanka painting – Dalkha Tanka painting – Goviin Lkha Baldn Lkhama with two helpers – bronze statue White Tara – wood framed Sakhli Khiimori – wood block print Takhil shilen – two offering cups Small silver pray candle holder Gaval Damara – Buddhist music instrument Takhliin jijig shiree- small offering table Tsan/gants – Buddhist cymbals Avdar – two chests Unjilaga – cord or curtains Tulga – fire pit Togoo – caldron Galiin khaich – fireplace tongs Or – bed Zeeriin arisan devsreg – Antelope skin rug Khivis – carpet Khos ertnii gutal – antique boots Uur – mortar tea and herb grinder Nuduur – pestle mixer Gal togoonii iregneg – kitchen cabinet Khalbaga shanaga – ladle and dipper Guulin tom dombo – copper tea pitcher Esgii bogts – two felt bags Tsar – two trays Jijig modon tsagsh – small wooden bowl Chuluun guriliin teerem – mill stone. 

By. S.Uzmee

6/18/17

Come to me

Come to me

I will be with you always
I will be your love only
I am here with you
I will always be with you

Oh, my love came to me
Oh, I fell for you
You touched my heart with your kindness
You fill up my heart like a galaxy full of stars

Happy Father’s Day
Amazing husband, wonder of the world


Uzmee S. Pigg 6.18.2017


2/15/17

Mongolian Jack Weatherford

Mongolian Jack Weatherford

Born and grew up in America
Educated and successful
Following his dreams and interests
Across the globe to Mongolia

The Great Genghis Khan’s history
In his youth, he read and studied
The deepest recesses of his mind wondered
Secrets to be found
Pilgrimage to Mongolia


Living in a Mongolian Ger
On the dried dung-fired stove 
Mongolian ladies boiling milk tea
Hot drink on a freezing cold day

Listening to the herders' child
Singing songs and humming
Looking down the valley, camels are grazing
Enjoying the steppe land view
Sitting and writing in his journal

Snacking on curds and cheese
Sipping on airag and relaxing
A dry, hot day builds thirst
Drinking lovely, cold spring water

Springtime on the Orhon River
Enjoying the view of dancing Egrets
Observing a howling gray wolf in the forest
The night sky is full of sparkling stars
Holding hands with his wife on the steppes

Late winter, early spring blooming
Searching for Scilla flowers
Listening to “Ohgii” lake’s cracking noise
Enjoying with his lovely wife   
  
Through the Golden Gobi’s Saxaul trees 
By the frozen rivers, blue light
Deep under the frozen surface waters, gurgling
Listening to his wife, feeling wonderful

Jack’s heart is a Mongol
Jack’s mind floated in Mongol history
Jack’s breathing the Mongolian lifestyle   
Mongolian people appreciate and are very proud of Jack Weatherford.
We love you, Jack Weatherford.

S. Uzmee 2.15.2017



2/11/17

Amorous Perfume - Scent

Amorous Perfume - Scent

Heavy aroma wafting up
Lovers' gift to their mate
Scent immortalized in their love
Monument to their union
Perfect gift for all
Heavy aroma pulls couples together



Underspoken elegant perfume
Waiting gently as you pass
Make hearts beat faster
Blindly, I turn and follow
A dreamy date comes to life
Stylish youths one of jewel
  
You smell a rich aroma
Partners courting, gift elite
Lover’s luxurious date
A romantic moment in a scent
Perfect item
Couples pose on a happy day


By :S. Uzmee 2.11.2017



1/25/17

On January 27th, 30th Anniversary of US-Mongolia Diplomatic Relations


On January 27th, 30th Anniversary of US-Mongolia Diplomatic Relations
My Journey To Mongolia (about Mongol- Amicale)
By James S. Pigg
The first I heard of Mongolia was during world history in grade school, it was the land of barbarians and the bloodthirsty Genghis Khan. Little did I know then how much influence this far away land would have on my life.
I began my work career with Woonsocket Spinning Company in Charlotte, North Carolina – it was a subsidiary of Amicale Industries headquartered in New York City.
We specialized in Cashmere, Camel and Yak Hair. We de-haired it (removed the coarse guard hair –Kemp) leaving only the fine fleece – after this we further processed it. Dying, carding, spinning and winding it into yarn for weaving or knitting into sweaters, sport coats and other high end clothing goods.
We also had factories in Pennsylvania to further process cloth from weaving and finishing as well as one in Bradford, England to help with the European market.
We imported all of our raw materials from faraway places like Iraq, Afghanistan, China and Mongolia.
With the breakup of the former Soviet Union and the formation of Democracy in Mongolia, some rules about exporting raw Cashmere, Camel and Yak Hair were changing – to insure a continued supply of raw material, Amicale in conjunction with the new Mongolian Government set up a Joint Venture Mongol – Amicale using Foreign Aid Funds to help pay for the venture.
The first phase was started in the early 90’s setting up regional warehouses to purchase Cashmere, Camel and Yak Hair directly from the herders – as well as setting up the first production phase by installing Sorting, Opening, Scouring and Baling machinery.
By early 1994 we were gearing up our machine building operations in Charlotte to export to Mongolia. We built all of our De-hairing Equipment ourselves, I had redesigned the machinery over the years to increase throughput, reduce downtime and increase the length of fiber produced.
We brought three Mongolian Engineers, Byambadorj, Sambuunyam and Otgonbayar over to train as we built the machinery in our existing plant here to get them up to speed before the installation of the equipment there.
At that time shipping companies did not have terminals in Mongolia, so all of our goods had to be shipped in containers that were purchased and would stay in Mongolia. We purchased and shipped a large amount of containers with equipment and supplies. After the containers were empty we sold them to individuals and companies in Mongolia for use as garages or storage buildings.
When I first went to Mongolia I did not know quite what to expect. I soon came to realize that the people were very open, hospitable and kind. The country was going through a transformation that had created economic hardships for the majority of their citizens, yet they were very upbeat and optimistic about their future.
One of the things that surprised me in Mongolia was the high level of education that the people we hired for manufacturing positions had achieved, almost all had Bachelor Degrees and some had their Masters. In the States at that time most of manufacturing positions were filled by people with only a High School education or less, this was a reflection of the economic conditions of Mongolia.
(During my time in Mongolia I met my future wife who worked with Mongol Amicale as well, Uzmee - we have two beautiful daughters, Tergel and Catherine; we also have a beautiful granddaughter Kari.)
We had our official Grand Opening in April of 1995 with President Ochirbat and many Mongolian dignitaries as well as Donald Johnson, the American Ambassador, and representatives from the State Department and World Bank in attendance.
Once up and running several issues came up influencing our ability to run 24 hours a day with three shifts – a lot of our people lived in the outlying Ger Districts and experienced issues getting to work – we had several Korean Micro buses put in service to pick them up and drop them off when their shift finished. We also installed a cafeteria to insure they would have warm nutritious food to eat. We set up a clinic in our plant stocked with medicines and staffed by a doctor to make sure they would have access to speedy medical care.
One of our Rep Office Administrators, Minjuur was a great help finding good people for our company, he was well known and respected throughout the country. I considered him a personal friend. He gave us a lot of good advice and help dealing with the red tape that you have to contend with dealing with the government.
We were involved with our community in Mongolia, sponsoring Wrestling Competitions as well as some of the wrestlers, Osohbayar was sponsored by us and went on to become champion. My wife and I were invited to his wedding in the Big Ger Hall and had the opportunity to meet his family and friends.
We also sponsored studies to improve the Cashmere breeds and worked with the Universities and government entities to help the herders maintain their animals.
I had the opportunity to go wolf hunting in Choi Balsan with Donald Johnson the American Ambassador, as well as the Ambassador from Korea and the French Diplomatic envoys as well as a group of Ex Pats and some of the local Soum people – I managed to get two wolves over three days. It was an interesting trip – we flew by helicopter from UB to there and traveled by Jaran-es to hunt the wolves, as well as getting some from the Helicopter itself.
Several years after that I had the opportunity to return to Choi Balsan to look at some equipment at a closed carpet factory to see if we could re-purpose some of it. This time three engineers and myself drove there and back. On our return trip we left late in the evening planning on driving through the night – our navigator had a little too much vodka and went to sleep. I noticed that the constellations were on the opposite side of where they should be based on our trip in – had the driver to stop at a Ger and ask directions to make sure – we were heading in the opposite direction of where we should be – toward the Russian border – we turned around and got back on the right course.
I was always impressed by the Mongolian people especially in the country side – they would always offer you the hospitality of their Ger, give you milk tea and food as well as offer you a place to sleep.
While we were living in Mongolia, a celebration was held for the memory of my wife’s father and his work – his name was Baldan Sodnom – a Professor, Author and Academician – it was on the 90th anniversary of his birth.
Alphonse F. LaPorta, the American Ambassador at that time was in Attendance as well as other Mongolian dignitaries.
We left Mongolia in early 1999 with our two young daughters and came back to Charlotte to live. The company I helped build in Mongolia is still there – it changed ownership and was renamed around 2003 to Goyo Cashmere Company.
While my wife and daughters have had the opportunity to return and visit Mongolia I have yet to return, in a few years when I retire I would like to live in Mongolia again – I have a lot of respect and feelings for the people of Mongolia.
James S. Pigg
1/1/2017
Mongol-Amicale Grand Opening 1995 with Ambassador Donald Johnson.
Dornod aimag Herlen Bars 1996

1/13/17

LOVE ONE ANOTHER, MY PEOPLE

LOVE ONE ANOTHER, MY PEOPLE
by O Dashbalbar

Love one another, my people, while you are alive.
Don’t keep from others whatever you find beautiful.
Don’t wound my heart with heedless barbs, and
Don’t push anyone into a dark hole.

Don’t mock someone who’s gotten drunk,
Think how it could even be your father.
And, if you manage to become famous,
Open the door of happiness to others!
They should also not forget your kindness.
To someone who is lacking a single word of kindness,
You should search for it and speak it out.
Whether outside in the sun or at home when it’s cold,
Don’t spend one moment at rest.

Don’t use harsh words to complain, you women,
About the kind young man you remember.
Speak lovingly to those who loved you!
Let them remember you as a good lover.

Our lives are really similar,
Our words constrict our throats the same way,
Our tears drop onto our cheeks the same way –
Things are much the same as we go along the road.
Wipe away a halt woman’s tears without a word,
Talk your lover up when she’s tripped and fallen!

Today you’re smiling, tomorrow you’ll be crying.
Another day you’re sad, and the next you’ll be singing.
We all pass from the cradle to the grave -
If for no other reason, love one another!
People must not lack love on this wide earth!
I grasp happiness with the fire of my human mind,
The golden shines lovingly upon us all the same, and
So I think that loving others is the path of life,
I understand that to be loved by others is great joy.


Translated by Simon Wickham-Smith

4/4/16

Mongolian Children’s First Hair Cutting Ceremony.


Mongolian Children’s First Hair Cutting Ceremony.

A child’s first hair cut is a very important celebration in Mongolian culture; it means cutting their birth hair and also blessing how a child is growing up in this world. Boys who are 3 or 5 years old, get their first hair cut. Mongolian girls who are 2 or 4 years old, get their first hair cut. Boys are on odd numbers and girls are on even numbers. It is a traditional ceremony that varies from each Mongolian region to another, each of these regions celebrate it a little differently.  
The ceremony host offers every guest food. When the ceremony begins they state the boy or girls name and sitting on their right is the oldest person in the family. With a wooden knife tied with a hadag(silk prayer cloth), the elder begins to cut little pieces of their hair. If they are a boy, the elder will start cutting hair on the right side of the head above the ear, if they are a girl they’ll start cutting on the left side of the head above the  ear. While cutting the hair the elder wishes them blessings and goes on to give the child a cup of milk and puts a dot of milk on their forehead as a sign of their blessings . Afterwards the next oldest person continues cutting the hair in the direction of the sun circling earth. Each person cutting the hair gives the child a blessing and gift, that makes the child happy and gives them a strong feeling of joy. Buryat Mongols first hair cut starts with the birth mother or the God Mother that delivered the child.   .   


A childs first hair cut gives a child trust and strong feelings with their family and friends, that’s why we celebrate the first hair cut with blessings and gifts. After the hair cut parents collect the  hair and save it in a hadag(silk prayer cloth).

Old Mongolian traditions were to save a small horseshoe shaped section of hair on the child head if an important member of the family was away when the hair cutting ceremony was performed - they would then cut it when they returned home.    


By: S. Uzmee

Edited by James Pigg. 04.04.2016



9/25/15

My love





My love

My love comes home
Sparkling love in his eyes
Makes my heart warm inside
Playing with children, they’re so cute



Repeat:

Yes, I am a happy lady
Swimming in an ocean of love
Flying up to the sky on wings of his love
Holding, hugging, and basking in the warmth

Joyful, delicious meal together
Relaxing, joyful dinner time
Happy moments with my family
Makes me feel warm

Repeat:

Yes, I am a happy lady
Swimming in an ocean of love
Flying up to the sky on wings of his love
Holding, hugging, and basking in the warmth

The sun is shining in the morning
Morning, my wife, my love
Fondly kissing and waking me up
Amazing love warming me up

Repeat:

Yes, I am a happy lady
Swimming in an ocean of love
Flying up to the sky on wings of his love
Holding, hugging, and basking in the warmth


Caring for me, always my love 
Sweet sayings dear to me, “Love you much.”
You are awesome, my dear love
You make me so happy.  


Repeat:

Yes, I am a happy lady
Swimming in an ocean of love
Flying up to the sky on wings of his love
Holding, hugging, and basking in the warmth


By. S.Uzmee 09.24.2015 

9/7/15

Mom’s lullaby to the world






Poetry by G. Mend-Oyo
Music by P. Enkhbazar


Mom's lullaby to the world

My baby is born and growing in this world  
My mom’s singing encompasses the world
Lullaby to all children of Mother Earth
Angel of my mom singing to her baby on Earth
Hugging while singing Peace on Earth
My mom’s lullaby sung into the children of the earth, lullaby

My baby’s growing up reaching to the sky
My mom’s singing under the blue sky
Lullaby to all children under the blue sky
My Mom’s reverential songs to her baby under the blue sky
Soothing lullabies singing peace of the blue sky
My mom’s lullaby sung into the wide blue sky, lullaby 

My baby’s crying and singing to the world
My mom’s singing by to this world
Lullaby to all children of this world
Loving my mom’s lullaby to her baby with the world
Mothers' lullaby singing to the peace of the world
My mom’s lullaby sung to the world, lullaby 


Translate by S. Uzmee. 09.07.2015
Editor by James Pigg