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Book Culture Among Öölds in Mongol Khüree


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Authors

Bulag, Uradyn E. 
Fuerwa, Dorjraa 

Abstract

In Mongol Khüree, the Öölds maintain a cultural system related to the clear script, an Oirat Mongolian script. Writing, reading, and venerating these scripts in a sacred space at home exemplify this vibrant and engaging culture. When people write in clear script, they follow a specific order and refer to it as Bosgoh (stand), symbolising that the script’s upper head reaches the sky, while the foot stands on the ground. It is customary to draw a line to the bottom of the text if it is not enough to fill the line. One can find the written date and the person who requested the writing on the last page of Buddhist scriptures, but this is not the case for other scripts such as the epics Jangar or Geser. In addition to writing clear script books, every Ööld family typically invites a Har Bagsh, someone who specialises in the clear script, to read specific scriptures for them on special occasions such as weddings, worshipping rituals, and funerals. The hosting family prepares sufficient food for Har Bagsh and other attendees. The person who starts reading the first page of a scripture is known as the mother of the book (Nomin Eh Barisan Hun). Following the first reader, other Har Bagshes read the scriptures without repeating them. After the reading ritual, some families request that the scriptures stay overnight, symbolising auspiciousness for the family, a practice called Nöörsuleh. Subsequently, other families may invite the scriptures to their homes for reading or veneration.

Description

Keywords

Mongol Khüree, Öölds, Book Culture, Tod Üsüg, Nom Bosgoh

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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.