About Kalmyk customs. Vladimir points out that today Kalmyks have forgotten their customs. In contrast with the past when celebrations lasted for up to a month, today most celebrations are short and done within a day. He says that people should pray more at their altars, because this will make gods happy. One can also put a red and a white coin on the altar. About the Kalmyk language. Vladimir recounts a saying that ‘not speaking one’s native tongue is tantamount to rejecting one’s parents’.