Herdsmen celebrate Aobao ritual

Hundreds of herdsmen circled around a cone-shaped mound called Aobao to offer livestock and libation on July 6, praying to the spirits for peace and a good harvest.

It's a traditional ceremony for Mongolian people in Horqin Right Wing Middle Banner. During the ritual, bottles of holy water, milk tea, pieces of scripture, and letters containing prayers are placed on the mound, while colorful ribbons are hung above it.

Originally a landmark for herdsmen navigating the grasslands, Aobao is usually piled with stones, sand and branches. After the time of Genghis Khan, Aobao served as a sacred tomb honoring warriors who died during combat, with the swords or axes of martyrs inserted in the mound's peak.

Gradually Aobao has become a place for sacrificial offerings where locals pray to the mountain or spirits, as well as their ancestors. People now offer corn, meat, fruit and alcohol at Aobao and pray for good weather, a good harvest and good fortune.

The sacrificial rites can be on a small scale or part of a grand ceremony. Some also dress in unique Mongolian-style costumes holding hada, pieces of silk cloth imbedded with separate auspicious meanings according to their colors.

A Mongolian priest prepares mutton to sacrifice at the Aobao ritual held in Horqin Right Wing Middle Banner, Inner Mongolia autonomous region on July 6. [Photo/people.cn]   

A Mongolian priest delivers a tribute at the Aobao ritual held in Horqin Right Wing Middle Banner, Inner Mongolia autonomous region on July 6. [Photo/people.cn]

Local herdsmen circle the Aobao in Horqin Right Wing Middle Banner, Inner Mongolia autonomous region on July 6. [Photo/people.cn]   

Local circle the Aobao in Horqin Right Wing Middle Banner, Inner Mongolia autonomous region on July 6. [Photo/people.cn]

Residents offer hada at the Aobao in Horqin Right Wing Middle Banner, Inner Mongolia autonomous region on July 6. [Photo/people.cn]