Aobaos, which are conical mass of stones in the open grasslands of Inner Monogolia, certainly look “foreign” to me.
Aobao was born as a landmark for the grasslands. They were used to signify the border or to demarcate cities. After the era of Genghis Khan, people admired and yearned for brave heroes who died at the war front. They then made Aobaos as tombs and inserted their swords or axes, which they used when they were still alive, atop the Aobaos.
Later on, Aobao became a place for sacrifice to the mountain god, the road god and the war-god.
And now, the Aobao’s most important use is for sacrifice. People always sacrifice the best corn, meet, fruit and alcohol to Aobao and pray for good weather, good harvest and good fortune.
Every summer, herdsmen will come to the Aobaos with their offerings. At this time, the Aobaos are decorated with pure white scarves or hadas at the center of the Aobao and colorful pieces of cloth around it and beautiful ethnic dances will be performed around them.
Aobaos are also symbolic things. It is also a place for dating for the young people as Aobaos are now considered romantic meeting places.
Extraordinary – I learn something every time I stop by for a visit!!! Thank you so much….
Hi Clanmother, I think we are learning from each other. Thanks for stopping by and liking the blog post! Michael
And what country might this be?
Hi, this is part of China, an automnomous region in the North-West, neighouring Mongolia. Regards, Michael
These are really interesting cultures and customs. Thanks for sharing with us!
I only learned this recently from my trip to Inner Mongolia. Happy to share, Michael
Fascinating post… so educational… thank you…
Just sharing what I came to know about. Thank you bulldogsturf!
Beautiful…
Thank you yablogtherapy!
I don’t know the conical mass of stones in Inner Mongolia. I looked at rare thing.
This is something quite unique to Inner Mongolia. Have a great weekend! Michael
How interesting. I’ve never heard of these before. It’s great to learn something new!
I only knew about it this September when travelling in Iner Mongolia. Think we’ll learn from each otehr. Regards, Michael
Yes I’m enjoying seeing all these amazing places you’ve been to. My travel list is growing longer by the day!
Thanks for the comment. have a great weekend!
You too!
This is beautifully foreign to me, thank you!
Thank you A Gracious Life!
Thank you for the narrative and for sharing. Very interesting!
Thank you for your kind comment, bebs1!!
Don’t really know what to say now … have use all expressions there is under the moon, but now. This one of my favorites – and I like the little add on about the history around them. And I like the thought of they being a romantic meeting place, a bit like the “hug square” at the station in Simrishamn. There isn’t places like that enough in the world.
Very interesting in your comparison between the Aobaos and Simrishamn!
What a cute choice! Your travel stories and photos are very interesting, and a good resource for me too.
Glad that you like the post and the photos, have a great weekend!
Very interesting and educational post. I like the photos too
Thank you for the kind comment, northen narratives!
I prefer our method – we go where we used to make sacrifices to God and our sacrifices for today our are prayers. I will send you a photo
Wil love to see your photo!
How interesting Michael. It’s wonderful seeing all these things from different cultures. What seems outlandish to one is quite normal to another. It sort of shakes up our way of seeing the world doesn’t it?
Warm regards
Corinne
Hi Corinne, you are so right. What is foreign to one may not be so for another. Thank you for the comment and continued support! Michael
Michael,good morning.Fascinating history ,those tribes conquered the world even my country Iraq in the 11th.century.Brilliant post.Thank you for keeping in touch.jalal
I watched 30 series of a DVD on the Conquers of Genghis Khan and they did tak about conquering the country which is now Iraq; it is just fascinating. I have been to Inner Mongolia and would like to write some posts about it in the future. Regards, Michael
I always really enjoy reading your Weekly Photo Challenge posts. Not only are they extremely interesting, and the photography beautiful, I learn something. I like that! Thank you!
Hi Life&Ink, your comments are very encouraging! Thanks for the continued perusal and interest in the blog. Regards, Michael
Interesting… I’ve always associated bright blue with love hehe… Beautiful!
Love is Blue (the song/ music)!
How very unusual! Perfect for the theme
Thank you seamlessstyle!
Thank you for the photo & explanation – I’ve never seen these, but the world over, the urge to pile stones and make an offering is a common one. It seems the urge to make a mark on the land can evolve in so many directions, over time. Inner Mongolia is fascinating – would love to see & read more about it.
As you said, piling stones to form landmarks are quite common, but different cultures have evolved this along different lines. I would be sharing some of the photos and posts on Inner Mongolia soon. Thanks for your perusal!