Vladimir Boldyrev, About Traditional Weather Knowledge

Abstract

Vladimir says that the elderly Kalmyks were knowledgeable of weather signs related to clouds. The appearance of pinnate clouds (sal’kn uuln), for example, is a sign that the weather will be windy. Cumulus clouds (temyan uuln) signify a change of weather. It is also possible to do a weather forecast by looking at animals. It is commonly believed that ground squirrels wake up and leave their burrows on the day of Tsagan Sar. Vladimir also talks about the tradition of showing respect to one’s elders. People should never scold or forget their parents. Orphans were adopted by relatives or fellow villagers.