Spring Festival customs and traditions for ethnic Mongolians

4. New Year's Eve

The climax of the festival happens on New Year's Eve. Family members gather together to watch CCTV's Spring Festival Gala to welcome the coming of New Year. For herdsmen, they will visit neighbors during the night. 

A traditional snack set, which includes milk-made snacks, cakes and candies placed on a large plate, is a must during the festival.

5. Celebrating the first day of the lunar month

On the first day of the lunar month, ethnic Mongolians first worship at an aobao for prosperity and good blessings for the year. Then, they sing to express their gratitude and best wishes to family members and friends.

An aobao decorated with colorful ribbons is installed on the grassland. An aobao is a pile of stones with a Buddha statue or metal weapon buried inside and is worshipped in the region. [Photo/VCG]