Adventist Mission

Ger, Sweet Ger,
Mongolia

Hello friends,

I would like to introduce you to a ger, one of the most important parts of Mongolians life. It is a traditional Mongolian home and I have had the opportunity to travel through the countryside and stay in a ger. Here I am bringing in firewood to stay warm!

The nomads of Central Asia have dwelt in portable tents called gers for thousands of years. These conical, felt-covered constructions, which dot the Mongolian landscape, are also known as ‘yurts' but this term was introduced by Western invaders and is considered offensive to native Mongolians.

The design of the ger has evolved over time to suit the lifestyle of its occupants: nomadic herdsmen can pack up their ger in less then half an hour, ready to be transported to new grazing grounds. What’s more, a ger offers comfortable, if basic, accommodation all year long, providing warmth during the near-arctic winters and shade from the scorching summer sun.

Although gers are rapidly being replaced by bricks and mortar in the towns and cities, most Mongolians still prefer their traditional way and spend their summer holidays camping out in a ger.

Design and Symbolism
Gers are assembled with a whole lot more in mind than simple practicality. There’s a whole set of religious and traditional customs that dictate the design and layout of the interior. The door of a ger always faces south. It is thought that the spirit of the house resides on the threshold, and guests should always take care not to step on it to avoid offending their host.

There are no windows, but a hole known as a ‘toona’ provides ventilation and allows smoke from the hearth or ‘golomt’ to escape through the roof.

The hearth is the central feature of the ger. It symbolizes the family’s ancestral ties and the three stones on which it is mounted represent the host, the hostess, and the daughter-in-law who is to bear the family an heir. It is forbidden and considered and insult to stretch your legs toward the hearth, throw rubbish into it, or bring sharp objects close to it.

The male quarters is situated to the west of the hearth and is thought to be under the protection of heaven, and the female quarters to the east, under the protection of the sun. Individuals should move towards the appropriate area on entering the ger.

The family altar is situated along the back wall, where Buddhist paraphernalia and treasured family possessions are kept. The area immediately before this is known as the ‘khoimor’ and it reserved for the elders. On the photo on the left Cleidi is sitting on the far right next to a Mongolian couple, enjoying a traditional sutetse, milk tea. (Click on image for a closer view.)

It is for sure an unforgettable experience to spend a few days living in a traditional Mongolian ger. The hospitality and warm welcome given by Mongolians will make you feel at home. You are more than welcome to came and experience it.

Elbert and Cleidi

Elbert and Cleidi Kuhn served as missionaries to Mongolia. Click the links below to read their blogs.

Meet the Kuhns
Welcome to Mongolia
How Everything Started

Ger, Sweet Ger, Mongolia

Ger, Sweet Ger,
Mongolia