2. Mongolia

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Central mosque, Olgii, Western Mongolia
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Central mosque, Olgii, Western Mongolia

OlgiiUlgiiWestern MongoliaCentral mosque

  • An ovoo, according to Wikipedia, "is a sacred cairn found in Mongolian shamanic religious traditions, usually made from rocks with wood or from wood (My note: rocks and wood symbolizing Mother Earth, i.e., Eje, with blue scarves symbolizing blue sky, i.e., Tengri). Ovoos are often found at the top of mountains and in high places, like mountain passes. They serve mainly as Tengriism religious sites, used in worship of the mountains and the sky as well as in Buddhist or Shamanist ceremonies, but often are also landmarks." <br /> <br /> "When travelling (as I was), it is custom to stop and circle an ovoo three times in clockwise direction, in order to have a safer journey. Usually, rocks are picked up from the ground and added to the pile. Also, one may leave offerings in the form of sweets, money, milk, or vodka. If one is in a hurry while travelling and does not have time to stop at an ovoo, honking of the horn while passing by the ovoo will suffice. Ovoos are also used in mountain- and sky-worshipping ceremonies that typically take place at the end of summer. Worshippers place a tree branch or stick in the ovoo and tie a blue khadag, a ceremonial silk scarf symbolic of the open sky and the sky spirit Tengger, or Tengri, to the branch. They then light a fire and make food offerings, followed by a ceremonial dance and prayers (worshippers sitting at the northwest side of the ovoo), and feast with the food left over from the offering."<br /> <br /> Ovoo worship, and other forms of religion, were prohibited during the Communist times in Mongolia, but clandestine worship still occurred.<br /> <br /> I liked that there was blue sky that day of the same colour blue as the scarfs.
  • Mongolian shamanic ovoo shrine celebrating the Tengriism religion. <br /> <br /> It is made from rocks with wood or from wood (symbolizing Mother Earth, i.e., Eje, with blue scarves symbolizing blue sky, i.e., Tengri).
  • Shamanic figure<br /> <br /> I learn so much when I travel and take photos. The things I see prompt me to do a lot of research to understand the significance of what I am photographing. Stopping at a roadside shrine in Mongolia prompted me to learn more about the fascinating religion of Tengriism. <br /> <br /> This figure is from a religion known as Tengriism, practised by the people in Central Asia, including Mongolia. The religion dates from ancient times, and focuses on living in harmony with the natural universe. Tengriism revolves around the sun deity Tengri, and focuses on balance with nature. Tengriism is believed to have begun sometime around the Bronze Age (3,300 B.C. to 1,200 B.C)., and is one of the world's oldest religions. It incorporates characteristics of shamanism, animism, totemism, both polytheism and monotheism, and ancestor worship. Those who practice Tengriism hold the belief that their very existence is sustained by the spirit of the blue Sky (Tengri), and the fertile Mother Earth (Eje). The blue scarfs symbolise the sky.<br /> <br /> An ovoo shrine can be been here, along with an explanation of its symbolism and current practices: <a href="http://goo.gl/pDzkFI">http://goo.gl/pDzkFI</a><br /> <br /> 14/02/15 <a href="http://www.allenfotowild.com">http://www.allenfotowild.com</a>
  • Ger with painted door and sleeping dog<br /> <br /> This ger was by the Ovoo shrine. Gers (meaning home) are portable dwellings made from ribs of bent wood covered with layers of fabric and sheep's wool felt for insulation and weatherproofing. The wooden door is a recent invention that replaces the original felt curtains across the opening.
  • Main market, Olgii, Western Mongolia
  • Woman selling produce, Olgii market, Western Mongolia
  • Central mosque, Olgii, Western Mongolia
  • Main square, Olgii, Western Mongolia

  • Lgood

    on December 31, 2015

    What a lovely place. Wonderful color. Happy New Year Terry and thank you for all the wisdom you ave shared with me and for being my friend. I hope 2016 brings you all that you wish for.

  • arctangent

    on December 31, 2015

    Happy New Year's Eve, wherever on earth you are.

  • Rick Willis

    on December 31, 2015

    A Very Unique Design. Hope you are getting caught up. I still have some 2015 Vacation shots to process...
    Wishing you a Happy New Year

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