This week’s DP Photo Challenge Theme is Rare.
While it is not that rare to see these conical stone heaps in Inner Mongolia; but they are still rare in many sense of the word.
These conical mass of stones or Aobaos can be seen in the open grasslands of Inner Monogolia,
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.
Very interesting. Never heard of them before.
It was the first time I saw them too!
How fascinating is that!! : ))
Nice to hear from you again!
Love these. And I’ve never even heard of them. Thanks for sharing!
Glad that you like them, Rusha!
Most interesting! You always have such nice posts, Michael 😊
I am glad that you like my posts, Bipasha!
Nice pictures! They remind me of some of the great things I saw in Myanmar last spring. “Rare” is the word for that country now and hopefully it will transition into the future without destroying the beauty and tranquility that exist there now.
I agree 🙂
Shared on Facebook. Thank you for this lesson in the ways of another culture.
Thank you so much for the sharing!
Your last set of photos (week selection) was quite unusual. Especially the last one. Keep going in that direction. (And have a nice week-end)
Hi, as you know, I am running out of pictures. But readers are forgetful what I have shown before so may not mind showing again. Maybe, my readers now are different from the ones I have a couple of years ago. Have an enjoyable weekend to you and your family too!
Xie xie!
🙂