Mongolians are proud of their traditions. Many traditions are rooted in the Buddhist religion, it involve costumes, food, and celebrating with friends and family. Some of the most interesting traditions to learn about are those centered around song and dance. They usually take place during national holidays like Nadaam and Danshig Nadaam.
I learned about the Tsam dance. This is a dance in which lamas, or spiritual teachers of Buddhism, wear masks representing good and evil characters from Buddhist legends. The masks are very colorful and elaborate; some of them even depict animals. When wearing the masks, the lamas dance in a manner that is almost like performing a play. They act out reactions to positive and negative influences. Meanwhile, an orchestra of monks play tambourines and drums to accompany the dancers.
The Tsam dance has been performed in Mongolia since the eighth century. It celebrates some of the key aspects of the Buddhist religion, such as the battle between good and evil spirits, and the power of nature. By continuing to perform and watch the dance, Mongolians appreciate their religious history and teach their children about Buddhism in an entertaining way.
