Mongolian National Costume

Posted by admin on Jul 22, 2012 in Asian | 0 comments

The traditional Mongolian national costume worn by the people of this country today has a very rich history that spans many centuries. Unlike some other national costumes worn today this one has very close connections with the Mongolian people’s way of live and their country.

There are several different types of national costume worn by the Mongolian people and will relate to different situations. Furthermore the climate also plays a big role in which costume happens to be worn so as a result of this there is a different Mongolian national costume relating to different seasons.

During the summer months then the “Terleg Deel” a light coat or frock is worn. Whereas during the Spring, Autumn and Winter months then the wearing of the “Khovontei Deel” is appropriate. Also during the winter time the Mongolian people may wear either a “Khurgan Dotortoi Deel” or a “Tsagaan Nekhii Deel”. 

All of these costumes are robe like garments and just as with the robe worn by the Tibetan people it has no pockets. Around the waist of the wearer will be wound very tightly a thin silk sash that measures several yards long and attached to this will be objects that are essential to their nomadic lifestyle.

It is important to also note that the Mongolian national costume actually reflects the age of the person wearing it. Generally the costumes worn by the older people tend to be quite modest and plain. However when it comes to the women’s version of this costume you will find that they tend to be much more ornate and will be decorated with different ornaments and jewellery. But again you often find that the Mongolian national costume worn by women who are married is a little less ornate than those worn by girls.

Generally the main color of this particular costume is brown or dark blue and the borders on the deel will differ somewhat.  Some will have an oblique border whilst others have a rectangular one. Furthermore these costumes all are made using different materials. Originally the costumes would have been made from leather, wool and fur, as these were materials that they had produced themselves. However as they come into contact with other people and they begun to trade with them so the incorporation of silk and brocades into these costumes began. Also because they were now in possession of items such as coral, pearl, precious stones, gold and silver these were then included within the designs.

Although the main part of the Mongolian national costume is the same the headgear and boots worn by the various different groups do differ dependent on the time of year. For example one style of hat that is often worn is that known as a “Toorstog”.   It is made up of an upper and lower part and the upper part is comprised of six pieces of material that have been sewn together and is the one that we most often seen being. However according to tradition the only people allowed this particular part of the costume are unmarried women and men.