[First-Time Nomadic Ger Visit] Threshold Rules, Scented Small Bottle (Kohi) Greetings, and Hospitality Etiquette
Hello! I am Chika, and I teach horseback riding at Horse Camp Mongolia.
During the horseback riding tour, there is time to visit a “ger”—a traditional felt mobile dwelling standing solitary on the steppe.
It is a very popular activity where you can see up close the lifestyle of nomads living in the great outdoors, but many people are unsure about manners, wondering things like, “Are there rules to watch out for when going inside?” or “How should I receive something handed to me?”
Nomads have a culture of welcoming guests very warmly, but gers have important customs to protect the peace of the family.
Today, I, who grew up in a nomadic family, will introduce the basic rules you should know when visiting a ger, the traditional greeting ceremony, and the secret to making a great impression on the master of the house!
1. The “Threshold Crossing” Rule: What You Must Never Do When Entering
When you stand at the entrance of a ger, there is a wooden step (threshold) at the very bottom.
- Never step on the threshold! Stepping on the threshold is considered the ultimate rudeness, equivalent to “stepping on the neck of the master of the house.” Always step into the ger starting with your right foot, stepping completely over the threshold.
- Watch your head: Ger doors are built rather low. Enter slightly bent forward so you don’t hit your head.
- Sitting on the threshold or leaning against the door frame is also a no-no.
2. How to Spend Time Inside the Ger: Two Important Rules
Inside the round ger, the placement of furniture and where people sit are fixed.
- Rule ①: Do not pass between the two central pillars
In the middle of the ger stand two pillars supporting the roof (toono). These two pillars are sacred symbols of “family bonds” and “a married couple.” You must not cross between the pillars or lean against them. When moving around, the proper etiquette is to walk all the way around the outside of the pillars (on the wall side) in a clockwise direction. - Rule ②: Sit where you are directed
- The seat directly opposite the entrance is the seat of honor where the head of the household (father) or the sacred altar is located.
- The left side (west side) is designated for men and guests, while the right side (east side) has kitchen utensils and is for women and children.
- Rather than barging straight into the back, sit down in the spot indicated by the host with a hand gesture.
3. Traditional Greeting! Etiquette and Compliment Tips for the Scented Small Bottle “Kohi” (Khöörog)
Once you sit down and settle in, the master of the house may pull a small, beautiful bottle that fits in the palm of his hand from his bosom (inside the traditional deel robe) and offer it to you.
This is a traditional snuff bottle called “Kohi” (khöörog in Mongolian). Made from precious natural stones like agate or jade, it is a prestigious greeting ritual to confirm each other’s safety and peace.
A Status Symbol for Men! Like a “Prized Car” in Japan
In fact, for Mongolian men, this Kohi is a special existence. It may be an heirloom passed down for generations or a prized item obtained at considerable cost to show one’s status and position.
Therefore, when you receive it, complimenting it by saying, “What a beautiful stone!” or “That’s a wonderful Kohi” is the ultimate secret to making a great impression on the master of the house! He will narrow his eyes with pride and instantly close the distance between you.
Steps When Receiving a Kohi
- Receive it with your right hand, supporting your right elbow with your left hand. This is the basic pose to show respect.
- Slightly loosen the lid without opening it completely. There is no need to inhale powder using the tiny spoon attached to the lid (it has a strong fragrance and stimulus). Slightly loosen the lid upward, gently bring the mouth of the bottle close to your nose, and make the motion of inhaling the fragrance (or give a light nod).
- Carefully return it to the other person. Lightly put the lid back on and quietly hand it back to the host using your right hand (with your left hand supporting your elbow). At that moment, if you add a smile and say, “Saihan Kohi” (What a wonderful Kohi), it is perfection!
4. Etiquette for Receiving Hospitality (How to Use Your Hands and Bowls)
Once greetings are exchanged, the family will bring warm tea and homemade dairy products to the table one after another.
- Use your “right hand” and support it with your left hand when receiving
When a nomad hands you a bowl or plate, always receive it with your right hand. At this time, Mongolian etiquette is to gently support your right elbow with your left hand. Avoid receiving things with only your left hand, as this is considered rude. - Just a single sip of “Suutei Tsai” (Milk Tea) is OK
When you are poured warm, salted milk tea (suutei tsai), there is no need to force yourself to finish it all. Just holding the bowl with both hands, cooling it by blowing gently, and tasting a single sip serves as a sign that you have “gladly accepted the hospitality.” - Enjoy Homemade Dairy Products (Urum & Aaruul)
- Urum: A rich clotted cream made by simmering cow or sheep milk. It is exquisite when spread on bread!
- Aaruul: Traditional dried cheese made by sun-drying. It is quite sour and hard, but packed with the minerals of the steppe.
5. Respect for the Ger’s Wood Stove (Fire)
An iron stove is placed in the center of the ger. For nomads, “fire” is a sacred existence that warms the home, cooks food, and sustains life.
- Do not throw garbage into the stove: You must not arbitrarily toss scraps of paper, plastic, or tissues into the fire.
- Do not stretch your legs out toward the stove: When sitting down, you may relax your legs, but it is etiquette to tuck them slightly to the side so that the soles of your feet do not point directly at the fire or the host.
Open Your Heart and Touch the Warmth of the Nomads
Hearing about these customs might make you tense up, thinking, “That sounds strict…”, but the most important thing is “respect for the other person’s way of life and a smile.”
Paying attention to the threshold, complimenting the prized Kohi, and tasting a sip of warm milk tea. Just doing those things will cause the nomadic family to warmly welcome you as an “important traveling companion.”
Stopping by a ger during your horseback riding tour will become an unforgettable, heartwarming memory of your trip. Please relax and knock on the door of nomadic life!
