Maria Erdnieva, How People Celebrated Zul and Tsagan Sar

Abstract

Maria says that the Kalmyks have always celebrated these two holidays. Traditionally, at Zul people make birthday candles and pray. These candles, called dendr, are made from dough in the shape of a small boat. The candles are lit when stars appear in the sky. After this ritual, these delicious candles are eaten. birthday candles have grass stems stuck on top of them. The height of the grass should be four fingers high. Then the grass stems are wrapped in cotton and covered with hot melted butter. Men celebrate their birthdays 7 days after Zul. It is also believed that the Master of the Year migrates 3 days after Zul.