Jiaobao
01 · Historical Records
After Tibetan Buddhism spread into the areas where the Mongolian people live, the forms of obo worship underwent some changes, but the herdsmen's veneration of the obo has remained unchanged.
02 · Core Techniques & Process
Obo worship is a traditional custom of the Mongolian people and one of the expressive forms of the steppe peoples' reverence for nature. The Xilingol League is an area where the historical remains of obo worship are relatively completely preserved. The "obo" revered by the Mongolian people, also called "naobao" or "ebo", means "pile" or "heap"; it is built by stacking stones, generally erected on a mountaintop or hill, mostly conical in shape and varying in height. In ancient times, the establishment and worship of obo were relatively simple: the shaman announced the choice of a particular mountain or hill as the site of the obo. People built a pile of earth or stones at the site, and after a number of ceremonies were performed, the obo was established. Thereafter, the residents of the surrounding area came here every year to worship, praying for the prosperity of people and livestock. Obo worship ceremonies are usually held between the fifth and seventh lunar months each year. Sometimes a single banner (qi) or a single sumu worships alone; sometimes several sumu and several banners join together in the sacrifice. Obo worship begins before sunrise, and the ceremony is solemn and dignified. All participants circle the obo three times in a clockwise direction, sprinkling drops of fresh milk and wine on it as they go; then they prostrate themselves directly in front of the obo, add the stones they have brought to the pile, and decorate the obo anew with willow branches, hada (ceremonial silk scarves), and colorful flags. After the obo worship ceremony, a "Nadam" gathering is held; the herdsmen take part freely and joyfully in traditional sports such as wrestling, horse racing, and archery, singing loudly, dancing lightly, and gathering together to raise their cups and drink. Obo worship is an epitome of the ancient culture of the Mongolian people; the series of activities and rituals associated with it embody the creativity of the Mongolian nation.
A rite beginning before sunrise
The rite begins before sunrise, separating the ceremony from the herders' busiest hours of the day.
Three clockwise turns
All participants circle the ovoo clockwise three times, dripping milk and wine, then bow at its face; direction, offering and posture are all required.
Adding stones and dressing the ovoo
Each worshipper adds a stone and dresses the ovoo with willow, khata and banners, so the rite is a continuing act of building.
The nadam after the sacrifice
After the rite the nadam follows with wrestling, racing and archery, singing and drinking, blurring the line between spectators and competitors.
Sacrifices from the fifth to the seventh month
The rite falls between the fifth and seventh lunar months, when the grass is long and the herds are strong and travel is easy.
One banner alone or several together
The rite is held by one banner or sumu alone, or jointly by several; joint sacrifices follow lean years or great events.
03 · Regional Records & Related Items
The Xilingol League is an area where the historical remains of obo worship are relatively completely preserved; obo are mostly built on mountaintops or hills, stacked from stones, mostly conical in shape and varying in height. The Mongolian people call them obo, also naobao or ebo — all meaning "pile". Obo worship ceremonies are usually held between the fifth and seventh lunar months each year, and the scale of observance varies: a single banner or a single sumu may worship alone, or several sumu and banners may join in a combined sacrifice; a solo sacrifice seeks the safety of one's own territory, while a joint sacrifice brings the herdsmen of neighboring pastures into the same ceremony. In ancient times, the establishment and worship of obo were relatively simple: the shaman announced the choice of a particular mountain or hill as the obo site; people built a pile of earth or stones at the site, and after a number of ceremonies were performed the obo was established. Today, although the process has become fixed, the site is still publicly pointed out by the shaman.
Other submitting regions for the same item: Jiaobao.
04 · Cultural Value & Contemporary Safeguarding
As a cultural space, obo worship contains many traditional cultural elements and customs of the Mongolian people, and is of important value for the study of nomadic culture and the history of the Mongolian people. Excavating, rescuing, and protecting obo worship is also of important significance for promoting identification with Chinese national culture, strengthening social cohesion, and enhancing ethnic unity and social stability.
06 · Authoritative Sources & Bibliography
Sources
China Intangible Cultural Heritage Network (ihchina.cn)
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