Carolina Mongol Naadam at Deepriver Campground 2012

Carolina Mongol Naadam at Deepriver Campground 2012

 The Carolina Mongol Community celebrated the Mongolian Traditional Festival /Naadam/ July 14^th and 15^th at Deepriver Campground near Asheboro, NC. On July 14^th  in the afternoon we listened to beautiful Mongolian songs, as we set up our tents, after that everybody shared the food they brought and danced Mongolian homeland dances as well as modern dances late into the night ending with the singing of many traditional Mongolian songs having enjoyed a  fun night.

 On July 15^th after breakfast everyone made Mongolian famous “Naadam” food called “Huushuur” it is like a fried calzone with ground meat only. It was amazing that on such a hot day how delicious the deep fried Huudhuur tasted, everyone was happy working together. Then started the Mongolian Festival opening - community leader Odonchimeg Geurcio delivered the opening statements followed by the singing of the Mongolian national anthem “Turiin Duulal” by all in attendance followed by traditional Mongolian cheers with arms reaching towards the sky.

Mongolian-Americans are people proud of their ancestral homeland, traditions, culture and life style. There was an exhibition table set up displaying traditional Mongolian artifacts, clothing, books and pictures on the history of Naadam with the tie in to the three sports involved – archery, horse racing and most of all wrestling. They enjoyed challenging each other in a quiz game about “Naadam’s” sport and history. Most knew the origins and nuances of each sport yet some learned aspects of the history that they had not heard of before.

There was a dance show presented by some of the Mongolian children present - some  choosing traditional Mongolian dances such as Nandia who performed “Myangad”  her younger sister Anujin performed “Baby mine” ballet and “zippe de doo dah” a pop dance. Michelle tapped to the song “Happy feet” while rhyming the lyrics. Then all the children present joined together to sing “Chihchiin chine bietei” – or in English “itty bitty me”.

The Carolina Mongols celebrated the three sports of Naadam (same thing to Mongolians as the Olympics) In the place of actual horse racing they had foot races by age of contestants – instead of authentic bows and arrows shooting at far away targets they used toy bows and shot at stacked cups again by age of contestants – instead of actual wrestling contests they had the men to perform the Eagle dance that real Mongolian wrestlers perform before and after they defeat their opponent. There were also championship games of chess and checkers deciding champions after long heated bouts.

Also from Greensboro, NC   Nars Borjigin came with his wife, two children as well as his sister - he and his wife brought  handmade dumplings for everyone. They are originally from Inner Mongolia, he showed how the wrestlers perform their dance before and after they defeat their opponent..

The two day Carolina Mongol Festival was a success - the Mongolians and Americans, families and friends had a wonderful time together and enjoyed the Mongolian traditional festival. Thanks to everyone involved - everyone worked hard and had a good time.

  

S.Uzmee

“National American Miss Pageant” North Carolina Regarding two Mongolian sisters.

“National American Miss Pageant” North Carolina

Regarding two Mongolian sisters.

           

            The National American Miss Pageant was from June 28^th through June 30^th  2012 for three days in Winston Salem NC at the Marriott Hotel.  The Competitions were divided up into five age groups: 4-6 years old were Princesses, 7-9 years old were Jr.Preteen, 10-12 years old were  Preteen, 13-15 years old were  Jr.Teen, 16-18 years old were Teen. The Mongolian beautiful and talented girls entered into this competition were Anujin a 5 year old-Princess and sister Nandia a 12 year old-Preteen who are from Charlotte NC.

            Children under 12 years of age in these contests do not use makeup so as to let their own natural beauty and personality shine through.

   Competitions were divided up into areas of: formal wear, introductions, interview, talent, community involvement and casual wear. For the formal Anujiin wore a pink princess gown and her sister Nandia wore a purple formal gown – they both looked like angelic princesses.   

            In the talent show Anujin danced the “Baby mine” ballet and out of 64 contestants performing she took 4^th place winning the 4^th runner up trophy. Anujiin also received first place in the freestyle dance competition - she won a trophy and monetary compensation, in the final competition she won  ''The Spirit Award -  Pageantry” trophy for promoting friendship and good sportsmanship, also the  “Top-15” award so she can go to the nationals in California at the Disneyland “National All American”. Nandia danced the Mongolian traditional dance “Myangad” for her talent portion; the dance audience was very impressed.

 

            Two Mongolian young talented girls bringing awards to their proud mom, dad, sister brothers and the Mongolian Community.

Special thanks for their Mom-  Sarangerel and their Dad - Purevtseren. To our proud Princess Anujin wishing her good luck for her next competition, to Nandia - reaching for your dreams and goals as well as wishing the best for your family.

           

By  S.Uzmee. 

Happy international women day

Angel of all Mothers

Men’s enrapture
Beauty of all women
Like a blooming flower’s leaf
Crystal of all girls
Happy international women day

S.Uzmee

NATIONAL COSTUMES OF THE M.P.R

Union of Mongolian Artists
National Artist and State Prize Winner of the Mongolian People's Republic (M.P.R.)
U. Yadamsuren

NATIONAL COSTUMES OF THE M.P.R.

Introduction and brief explanations by L. Sonomtseren
Editor B. Sodnom
State Publishing-House Ulan Bator 1967

The national dress of the Mongols has a rich history and an artistic tradition of many centuries. It is closely connected with the way of life of the Mongolian people, with the specific features of their economic system and with the natural conditions of the country. The costumes must meet the most different situations of life, whether, for example, somebody is riding on horseback over the steppe, whether he is sitting at home in his yurt (felt tent), or whether he is dancing at a national festival. The different conditions of climate, too, influence the kind of dresses worn; thus costumes have been developed that are intended for the different seasons of the year. In summer the Mongols wear a light coat or frock, the "Törlök", in autumn and winter a wadded coat, the "Khovontei Dööl", or a lambskin coat, the "Khurgan Dotortoi Dööl", in winter a sheepskin dress reminding of a fur coat, the "Tsagaan Nökhi Dööl".
The age of the wearer, too, is reflected by the dress. The costumes of elderly people are, as a rule, modest and plain, while young people prefer gay, stylish clothes.
The female dress shows differences between the attire of the girls and of married women. The costumes of the latter are decorated and adorned more splendidly.
From remote times the Mongols have worn coats with oblique braid, the "Tashuu Öngertei Dööl", and a coat with straight border, which reminds of a long waistcoat, the "Sadgai Öngertei Dööl". This is confirmed by the costumes from the Hun era, found during excavations in the burial-mounds of Noin Ula. The design of the garments, the combination of colours as well as the decorative ornaments speak of an old culture of the Mongolian people. The materials of which the dresses are made, reveal a connection of the Mongolian culture with the cultures of the neighbouring countries of the East. But, at the same time, the contribution of the Mongols themselves to the art of costumes can be clearly recognized: the national-original character of Mongolian dress. Later, the "Durbölzhin Öngertei Dööl" with rectangular border became very popular. In the course of adaptation to the ever-changing social and economic conditions the national costumes underwent further changes, the ancient traditions, however, have been retained in a refined manner. And up to thepresenttime, the Mongols are wearing the coat with the oblique border, the "Tashuu Öngertei", and the coat with the rectangular border, the "Durbölzhin Öngertei Dööl".
The materials from which the dresses were sewn were either produced by the Mongols themselves, such as "leather, wool, and fur", or they were imported from abroad. Nobody knows when the Mongols started to produce textile fabrics on their own, but it is an established fact that they have been making dresses of silk, cotton fabric, woollen material, and brocades for a very long time already. Some of the fabrics were, especially in the times of the Huns, introduced from other countries of the East. It is self-understood that the garments for the different seasons were made also of different materials. The lining for the winter dresses consisted of sheepskin, goatskin, or wolf's fur, of the pelts of corsacs, lynxes, wolverines, racoons, foxes, and sables. The winter fur coat might have consisted simply of sheepskin, but sometimes it was covered outside with fabric, such as cotton cloth, tussore, silk, brocade, and satin.
Often the white sheepskin was dyed yellow or green and provided with ornaments.
For summer clothes the materials mentioned above were used, but also woollen cloth and velvet. As linings, thin fabrics were used.
As a rule, the dresses were richly adorned. The national artisans created jewelry and ornaments of gold, silver, corals, pearls, and precious stones.
When studying the national costumes the history of a people, the history of its culture and civilization can be seen as though it were materialized. The making of dresses has always been considered an art. There were many genuine masters whose "golden hands" were famous, the garments having been sewn not only by women, but also by men. A tailor had to have comprehensive knowledge and the most different faculties. He was simultaneously an artist and embroiderer, he was able to glue, quilt, and stuff with wadding, he knew the symbolism of the ornaments used on the dresses, the symbolism of the colours and their combination. The symbolism of dress is altogether of great interest. Thus, for example, the heavenward directed peak of a cap resting on a cupola-shaped base symbolizes prosperity and happiness. The eyelet at the upper part of the Sampin of the cap symbolizes the moon, the knot of the Sampin means simplicity and strength, while the lower part of the Sampin, which is called Tav, represents the sun. Below the Tav four strips have their origin, which represent home and family, while 32 narrow strips of lace symbolize the beams of the sun. With most caps the Sampin and the lace strips are of the same colour, usually red or brown.
Embroidery in different styles is also widely applied for adorning the garments: back-stitching, stem-stitching, etc.
Of old tradition are the ornaments on the dresses, each garment displaying a definite and strictly observed type of ornament which, as already said before, has a symbolism entirely of its own. Interesting is the colour scale of Mongolian costume. The national costumes were chiefly brown and dark blue.
As is well known, Mongolia is inhabited by various national groups, such as the Khalka, Buryat, Dörbet, Torgut, Barga, Dariganga, Uzumchin, Bayit, Uryankhaits, Khoton, and Mingat groups, the Sakhchins, Darkhats, Ölöts, and Kazakhs. Of course, the national peculiarities will be reflected by the clothes. The differences between the dresses of the various national groups refer to the design, the colour, the style, and the ornaments. Different are, for example, the borders of the coats, the style of the waistcoats worn over the coats, the trimmings at the edges of the borders, the adornments and ornaments. In the costume of the Khalkha blue and brown are the predominant colours, while the dress of the Buryats shows blue and that of the Khotons clark shades as the chief colours. Almost all nationalities use black velvet for trimming the border and, moreover, a thin strip of black velvet at the extreme edge of the border. However, the style of these trimmings is not uniform: sometimes they are cut rectangularly and sometimes not. The women's waistcoats, "Uuzh", are generally similar to each other, but even their design will differ in detail. Both the Khalkha and the Mingat women are wearing dresses with sleeves full of pleats, but with the Khalkha women the quilted seams on the pleats are arranged horizontally, while with the Mingat women these seams extend vertically. A few men wear coats with slashes as the women do. The differences between the national costumes of the women refer to the ornaments as well.
A few words ought to be said also regarding the coiffure, an important part of the female toilet. The coiffure of the Khalkha and Mingat women is somewhat "wing-shaped"; the hair is plaited into two braids widening at the temples in the form of wings, the width of the wings being greater with the Khalkha women and smaller with the Mingat women, with whom also the ornaments are more modest. Very peculiar is the hair-dress of the Bargas and Darigangas. The women of some national groups don't wear pins in the hair, but instead of them the "Khadlaga".
The Uzumchins and Darigangas are fond of coral ornaments, while the Khalkhas prefer gold ornarments, silver ornaments, and pearls.
Nor does the headdress lack multifariousness. Almost every nationality has a headdress of its own, differing in design, style, and colour from those of the other national groups, and also the ornaments are different, so that there are many kinds of Mongolian caps. In western Mongolia caps of the "Tortsog", "Yuden", and "Zharantai" kinds are widely used, which differ from the headdress of the Khalkhas and Buryats. The Mongols also wear different kinds of boots; the "Naamal Ultai Gutal" are boots with glued-on soles; furthermore we have the "Sholkhotoi Gutal" and the "Khanchin Gutal", the different national groups having different types of lootwear, too. Whereas the Torgut Mongols are wearing boots of the "Tookhuu Gutal" type, the boots of the Buryats are called "Ulsan Gutal". After the National Revolution national costumes changed substantially, they became simpler and more modest.
Studies of the history of dress and costume, their variations and kinds with the various national groups within the framework of one nation will contribute to better understanding the process of cultural evolution, in particular of folk art, and are a valuable aid to ethnographic researches. On the basis of the rich traditions of Mongolian costume the contemporary masters and folk artists are making use of the heritage that has come down to us from many centuries, and are creating new models of national costume.
In the field of investigation into the history of Mongolian costume the national artist of the M. p. R., state prize winner U. Yadamsuren has achieved extraordinary things. From childhood U. Yadamsuren has been interested in folk art and national costumes. Following his elder brother Tchoidashi, U. Yadamsuren, with artistic mastery, has made himself familiar with the skill of the folk artists, artisans, embroiderers, pasters, tailors and all those, whose hands have created those remarkable costumes, and has studied them most exactly. While travelling all over the country U. Yadamsuren has collected valuable material on the history of Mongolian dress and has made a great number of drawings, only part of which is included in this album. It is beyond doubt that this album will be of particular interest to ethnographers and people fond of national costumes, to theatrical men and artisans. The abundance and the high artistic level of execution of Mongolian costumes seems to urge their universal study.
Brief Explanations

1. Khalkha man's summer costume
2. Khalkha man's winter costume
3. Khalkha man's summer cap of velvet
4. Khalkha man's winter cap
5. Khalkha man's beaver cap
6. Khalkha man's winter cap
7. Khalkha man's cap "Yuden"
8. Khalkha man's cap "Tortsog"
9. Khalkha winter cap "Makhus"
10. Khalkha cap "Yuden"
11. Khalkha winter cap of beaver fur
12. Khalkha man's winter cap "Godon"
13. Khalkha man's winter cap "Tug"
14. Ear-caps
15. Case for drinkillg-cup
16. Tobacco-pouch
17. Knife and steel (for striking fire)
18. Tobacco-pipe case
19. Tobacco-pouch
20. Tobacco-pouch
21. Cover sleeve
22. Special dress of the Borts Mongols, the "Dsodok"
23. Strap for tying up the bootleg
24. Knee-caps
25. Upper edge of a felt stocking
26. Upper edge of a felt stocking
27. Khalkha woman's winter costume
28. Upper part of a Khalkha costume with pearl ornaments and beaver cap
29. Khalkha woman's golden cap
30. Woman's pearl pendant
31. Woman's gold ornaments
32. Woman's gold ornament "Khadlaga"
33. Silver ornament "Khorol Böl"
34. Ornament for the cap peak
35. Khalkha woman's summer cap of velvet
36. Khalkha woman's winter cap of beaver fur
37. Khalkha woman's winter cap
38. Khalkha woman's winter cap
39. Khalkha girl's winter cap "Tortsog"
40. Khalkha girl's winter cap "Tortsog"
41. Khalkha woman's cap "Tortsog"
42. Khalkha winter cap "Örlö Mus"
43. Children's winter cap of the Khalkllas
44. Horseman's cap for children
45. Dörbet woman's summer costume
46. Dörbet cap "Yuden"
47. Dörbet cap "Yuden"
48. Dörbet winter cap "Tunlai"
49. Dörbet cap "Toirul"
50. Dörbet woman's cap
51. Buryat man's winter costume
52. Buryat woman's summer costume
53. Buryat man's winter cap
54. Buryat woman's summer cap
55. Buryat man's winter cap
56. Kazakh man's costume
57. Kazakh woman's costume
58. Kazakh man's winter cap
59. Kazakh woman's summer cap
60. Sakhchin woman's winter costume
61. Sakhchin woman's winter costume, side view
62. Sakhchin girl's winter costume
63. Sakhchin man's winter cap
64. Winter cap "Zharantai"
65. Barga woman's winter costume
66. Barga woman's costume, side view
67. Silver cap and bobby pins of the Bargut woman with coral ornaments
68. Silver hand
69. Silver girdle ornaments of the Barguts
70. Summer cap of the Barguts
71. Costume of the Bayits
72. Costume of the Bayit woman
73. Cap of the Bayits
74. Cap of the Bayits, the "Zoo"
75. Winter cap of the Bayits
76. Uzumchin woman's costume with silver and coral ornaments
77. Headdress of Uzumchin woman
78. Uzumchin woman's silver ornaments
79. Uzumchin woman's winter cap
80. Uzumchin woman's winter cap
81. Uzumchin man's winter cap "Boolt"
82. Uzumchin man's cap
83. Dariganga woman's summer costume
84. Dariganga woman's braid with silver and coral ornaments
85. Dariganga woman's silver cap with pearls and corals
86. Dariganga woman's winter cap
87. Uryankhaits man's winter costume
88. Uryankhaits woman's winter costume
89. Uryankhaits woman's ornaments
90. Khoton woman's summer costume
91. Female piece of jewelry, rear view
92. Khoton winter cap, the "Khaiv"
93. Mingat woman's winter costume
94. Half coiffure and headdress of a Mingat woman
95. Torgut man's summer costume
96. Torgut cap "Tortsog"
97. Darkhat man's winter costume
98. Olet woman's costume
99. "Lovous"
100. ???

MONGOLIAN NEW YEAR "TSAGAAN SAR"

MONGOLIAN NEW YEAR "TSAGAAN SAR"

       

 Most Asian countries celebrate The New Year around the same time as the Chinese. Mongolians celebrate “Tsagaan Sar” which falls some years on the same dates as the Chinese New Year and some years based on the lunar cycles it will be days, weeks sometimes a month different. 

If you took Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year and Easter as they are celebrated in America and roll them all together you would have a close approximation of Tsagaan Sar. The origins predate the Great Genghis Khan. The Mongols of olden times were in touch with nature to a great degree - their life and life styles were connected intimately with the earth and sky as well as the seasons. They called them Mother Earth and Father Sky. They judged the season by the colors of the earth and its growing things - by the sharpness of the winds, by the positions of the moon, stars as well as the sun. Taking positions of the stars for direction using the sun and the moon as nature’s clock and their monthly as well as yearly calendar.  The hours of day and the years were named after animals, days and months were named after colors. Noted in Marco Polo’s journal from the time of Kublai Khan were entries about the Mongol traditions and he noted that the last month of the old year was called the black month as it was the coldest, darkest and had the shortest days of any month of the year. Also that the next month was called white month as it was beginning of the end of winter and the beginning of the new year with spring soon to come.

            In olden times before Genghis Khan, the Mongols celebrated in the fall of the year at the end of summer the gracious bounty they had gathered and collected of the produce of their animals - various dairy products as well as dried and cured meats along with wild herbs, berries and other root crops. They would hold this harvest celebration before the onset of the long cold brutal winter ahead.

            In 1206 Genghis Khan was named Great Khan and Ikh Mongol (Great Mongol) the country of Mongolia was created. At that time he moved the harvest celebration which was celebrating the end of the summer beginning fall to the dates that it is celebrated now which is the beginning of spring (white month) to celebrate the new life such as fresh grass, flowers blooming, baby animals being born. This is also to celebrate the birth of a new nation and the inauguration of the Great Khan.

            From times of old the Mongols have held with the sayings of Mother Earth and Father Sky – as the Mother gives milk to her young the Mongols thank Mother Earth for her gifts of dairy products from the animals they keep – they give thanks by casting small amounts of milk to the four corners of the sky (compass directions).

            Mongols believe that the milk is pure as it is white and without blemish, they offer it as a blessing to God. When someone is going on a long journey or perhaps to be assigned to the army their Mother will usually cast the milk to the sky and pray for a safe trip, to keep them safe and bring them back home safely.  The same will hold for all special occasions like weddings or other special or serious times. The milk prayer will keep their way clean and safe.

/Shagai/

            Tsagaan Sar brings together family and friends – the problems and tribulations between each other are put behind them and you start over fresh – you do not bring previous problems forward into the New Year.

            Tsagaan Sar evening the oldest person in the family will be honored by all of the extended family coming to their home to share food and play games such as Shagai. This is the celebration of the end of the old year – you always eat until you are full – this day you will not sleep over at someone else’s home because your own home is important on this day – you do not want to leave it empty, so you return to sleep.

            During Tsagaan Sar celebrations there are three things that you cannot do – first you cannot be angry – the second is to not be greedy and the third is not to be sad. You clear your mind and spirit of all negative things and open it up to pure clean positive thoughts.

            During these days you always help people and give with an open heart.

            Some people prepare for Tsagaan Sar months ahead – by cleaning everything possible – herders have new births around this time from their herds of animals which are considered a blessing. Everything must be clean even your language. Do not sew old clothes during this time, sew new clothes. If you owe money pay it back before Tsagaan Sar, do not owe anyone anything. All the remaining tasks that you have left, you need to finish, before Tsagaan Sar starts.

            People help each other with the chores – especially the older members of the community whose health is not up to the extra work and appreciate the help from the younger members. Also they share with the ones that don’t have as much or any at all – this brings good fortune to those that help and give – it’s not seen as charity and it’s not begrudged – it is in the culture.

            Food at Tsagaan Sar consist of brown and white foods – brown foods include meat, flour dumplings, ravioli and alcohol. White foods are dairy products, cookies and alcohol made from mare’s milk called airag.

            To honor the oldest person in the home large cookies called “ul boov” or “heviin boov” are cooked and stacked on a platter with each layer of cookies symbolizing ten years of life. This can be arranged in patterns of three to a layer or five to a layer depending on your choice. Odd numbers are considered good luck. The direct translation of the name of the cookies means “footprints” – it is blessed as it means you are connected to this world through your footsteps – always walking forward never backwards – good luck will always come to you.

            Tsagaan Sar evening is called “Bituun” - direct translation means the old year and old things are done, finished and closed never to come back.

            Bituun day families set up their tables, people come over to show their respect and to honor their elders.

            Bituun night meal is started by eating foods of the brown category. You eat brown foods first as the old year and all the bad things associated with it are gone. After brown food you consume white dairy food so you will be ready for the year, new day and new moment.

            After dinner older people will tell legends about the olden days and the younger people play games with shagai such as the camel and horse race. Shagai are made from sheep ankle bones. These have four sides – the concave side is called goat, the opposite side is called sheep, the flat side is called horse and the remaining side is called camel. People of all steppe cultures have played these games for millennia. They can also be cast as dice or flicked as marbles.

            The day after Bituun is called Tsagaan Sar or New Year’s day. People get up early as the sun is rising – all people put on new clothes – make new milk tea – the lady of the house takes milk tea outside and cast it to the four directions of the compass while praying for a good year.

            After this all the members of the family with exception of husband and wife greet each other beginning with the oldest. (husband and wife are considered one person so they don’t need to be greeted by each other) They are greeted by saying “Ta amar mend  baina uu?” which means “How are you doing?” The older person’s arms go on top and the youngest go on the bottom like you are going to carry them holding their elbows. The older of the two will be holding a “Hadag” which is a blue or white prayer cloth. This cloth can be different sizes. It is folded three times with the open side pointed away from the holder – this means you are welcome. The answer back to the first greeting is “Amar mendee” which means I am fine , I am good.

            After the greetings are finished guests and family will be seated at the table – guests will open their hoorog (snuff bottle) and will partially open the top and present it to their host and say “Ta saihan shinelj baina uu?” Which means “how is your new year going?” The host will say “Saihan saihan” which means “good, good.” After this the host sniffs at the lid and passes it back or if he wants to he can remove the top and take some of the snuff and snort it up their nose – it is up to each person on how they do this. The symbolism of the passing of the snuff bottle is new friendship and honoring friends and family.

            This day people of the same age greet each other with one arm on top and one arm on the bottom. Pregnant women do not greet each other like this during their pregnancy as they believe their unborn child’s sex could be switched.     

            This day the first food that is eaten is white food (dairy foods) this means good luck, blessed life and good things coming for you. This day do not talk about any negative things, always be positive do not get angry.

            Each person gives gifts on Tsagaan Sar – not expensive material gifts – but things that you have – cookies, dairy products or any natural products.

If people will truly follow and observe these customs, putting old problems behind them and looking forward to the future without negative thoughts or preconceived notions the world and their lives would be truly remarkable.

James and Uzmee Pigg                                                                   

Check out History of Valentines Day

Check out History of Valentines Day

The New Year

A New Year becoming
New days, new ways
Letting go of the past
And looking forward
No longer feeling the pain of the past
No matter how long it had lasted
We will move past it
When the bad memories come forth
Light and burn it with a torch
Leave the ashes all behind
Put on a good face and be kind
Because, a New Year is here
So let’s go about and spread some cheer
And hope
Not only, for a better tomorrow
But, a better today
And for better ways
Welcome the New Year with
love in our hearts
Let’s believe in fresh starts
Let go of the pain of the past
Let it no longer last
But let the New Year come
Let us not be glum
But glad
For better Loves,
Better hugs
Better days,
Better ways
And even better says
Let us hope for a greater year
So let us spread some cheer
So wipe your tears
Happy New Year

By Catherine .T. Pigg 12.31.2011

MONGOLIAN MOTHER OF SONG

Poem by ;P. Purevsuren
Music by; Ch. Nyangar

Song of Mother

Singing lullabies to me in your arms
Wrapped up snug as a papoose on your back
Lovingly my gray haired Mother
How can I repay all you have done for me

Spring Lily growing on a barren hillside
My carefree young time
Didn’t pay attention years gone
Belatedly understanding my mother

Looking for the Fountain of Youth
To see if I can find it anywhere
For my mother who grows old
To give her life again


Translator by; S.Uzmee
Editor by; James Pigg

First Carolina-Mongol Naadam 2011

On July 9th, 2011 in Colonel Francis Beatty Park near Matthews, North Carolina local Mongol-Americans celebrated the Mongolian Traditional Holiday of Naadam. In their native country it is a celebration dating back millennia, in modern times it always falls in mid July. Think of it as an Olympic type festival combining the trifecta of Mongolian traditional skills, horse racing, archery and wrestling. In Mongolia it is akin to our fourth of July with the fervor of a national sports playoff game. In the Pavilion at the park in Matthews were displayed symbols of the traditional naadam including saddles, wrestlers uniforms as well as traditional garb and boots. This was to show invited guests as well as the children what their culture evolved from.
In lieu of traditional wrestling the men arm wrestled for the championship with Jargal from the Raleigh-Durham area taking first place and Mark Guercio of Charlotte coming in second. Instead of the archery competition so as to avoid scaring the other innocent park guests a rousing round of Corn Hole was substituted. The team of Dennis Hamrick and Chuck Beasley beat out all the other contenders to be named grand champion Corn Holers or archers as the case may be with Batsolomon and Jargal coming in second. Since the confines of the park didn’t allow for true horse races which are normally 15-30 kilometers long with jockeys

ranging in age from 5 to 13 years old it was decided to let the children run foot races to determine the fleetest of foot. Javkhlan, 8 years old of King, North Carolina won the race with Bayarnam 2 years old of Charlotte coming in last but giving it all he had, not giving up. To finish up the sports competition teams were chosen for a rousing round of tug of war, local Mongolians and friends on one end of the rope with visiting Mongolians and friends on the other end. It did not end well for the home team as the visitors pulled them across the line and took home the tug of war championship.
Next came the traditional games involving Shagai, Shagai can be tossed like dice or flicked like marbles depending on which game is to be played. Games involving the Shagai have been played throughout history throughout the world. Gantuya was the winner of the Shagai competition with Undraa coming in second. As with all Mongolian celebrations it was opened with traditional Mongolian songs with music from the yatga which is a long flat harp like instrument that produces a melodious sound. The celebrations concluded with singing of Mongolian songs that honor their country, their heritage, and their people, similar to American songs like America the Beautiful.
This celebration was conceived and paid for by the local Mongolian American families. The Mongols throughout history have the belief that if you drink a country’s water you adopt its ways and customs as your own- the Mongolian Americans at this celebration have adopted the ways of their new country and are proud to be called Americans yet hold the memories and traditions of Mongolia in their hearts so their friends and their children will know the journey they have taken.


James & Uzmee Pigg

For Dad

You are so wonderful Dad
You are always thinking of us
Your heart is sometimes very soft
You are very hard sometimes
How much you hard us
Still, we love you very much
Sometimes we didn't listen to you
Sometimes you didn't understand us
You always told us a bedtime story
We enjoyed it very much
We want to spend more time together
We miss you every time
School time you pick us up and drop us off
We appreciate you so
And we want to show you
My teachers and friends
Because that is my dad!
We feel so happy
We understand you
You work so hard
You also so tired
We promise you
We will be good girls
Don't forget us
We are girls!!!
We love you very much!!!


Your daughters Catherine and Tergel 2003

Happy Father's Day

Father is the most special man in the world
Anywhere protecting me front and back
Anytime between me and my enemies
Father is my hero
Father, loving and caring for me
Always showing how to be strong, deeply caring
Attention to my whole life, always there when needed
Father, you always touch my heart
Happy Father’s Day


S.Uzmee
6/17/2011

The Pilot Mountain

The Pilot Mountain


Faraway looks like nipple
Strange shape Mountain
Follow direction onto mountains top
Spiritual feeling there
All around look at flat land
See long way off all the towns
Awesome views all round
Flying high mirage
That feeling called
The mountain Pilot
That's truly amazing

S. Uzmee

Happy Anniversary

We are under God indivisible in truth and love
Building our relationship strongly
Sharing life in the world
We are important
Someone’s husband
Someone’s father
Someone’s wife
Someone’s mother
Our children are proud of us
Happy anniversary my dear.




S.Uzmee

by: Catherine T Pigg

The Snow Flakes

The flakes are dropping down to the ground
We make a snowman in the snow
We have a snowball fight

The flakes are dropping down to the ground
We make snow Angels in the snow
We slide in the sled

The flakes are dropping down to the ground.

Copyright ©2008 Catherine T Pigg

Daddy

Nice, Silly, Funny and Sensitive

Daddy of Sister and I, Husband of Mommy

Lover of Mommy and Us

Who has a Wife and Kid’s

Who gives love, time and, Jokes

Who needs to live a very longtime to see grandkid’s

Who feels Happy Funny and Nice

Who's loved by Kid’s and Mommy

Who is the Best Daddy in the world you ask?

That is My Handsome Daddy!

Catherine Pigg 2008

Happy Mother's Day

The Mother

Anxiously bringing new life into the world

Mothers' emotion on high brings a secret tear to her eye

Children growing up times flying

Mother’s job still not finished

Her hearts beating for the children

She is the key to the family

Building the brotherly, sisterly bond

Her smile is our sunshine

Happy Mother’s Day to the world

S.Uzmee