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Sofya Olzeeva, Respect for Elders


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Authors

Terbish, Baasanjav 
Churyumova, Elvira 

Abstract

Sofya talks about how Kalmyks should respect their elders, parents, and grandparents: People should know their ancestors 7 generations back. In the past, people knew up to 9 generations back. Those who know their ancestors, think of them and remember them. This is what I call respect. I know my ancestors 7 generations back. The names of my ancestors are as follows: Zunda, his son Gesl, his son Badma who had 5 sons. It is a big sin not to respect one’s grandparents. Kalmyks show respect to their grandparents by giving them delicious food, making them a soft bed, visiting, inquiring about their health, helping, and taking care of them. After they are gone, their souls will bless their children and grandchildren. If one does not have free time to go and visit their parents and grandparents, that person should be able to give them at least a phone call and enquire them about their health. People also should show respect to their elders during traditional holidays of Zul and Tsagan Sar. My sons and daughters-in-law always pay us a visit during traditional holidays. They telephone us to congratulate during professional holidays such as the Day of Teachers, the Day of Transportation Workers. On such days, I sleep well, because I know that my children are thinking and caring about us. On important occasions such as the birth of a child or when someone is going away to study or to serve in the army, young people should always receive blessings from their elders.

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Keywords

Respect, elders

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Publisher

Kalmyk Cultural Heritage Documentation Project, University of Cambridge

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Sponsorship
Sponsored by Arcadia Fund, a charitable fund of Lisbet Rausing and Peter Baldwin