Material culture in Mongolian horse culture

From a historical point of view, since the Asians invented the material properties of horses, horses have always been valued by human beings because they first became the means of transportation for nomadic people to survive; Secondly, horses become a fast hunting tool for nomadic hunting; Third, Ma Su has played an important role in a series of fields such as politics, economy, military affairs, war and national culture and education. After this transformation, man's material invention of horses developed rapidly on a large scale. These inventions reflect the longitudinal historical changes of nomadic people's ideas and ways of using horses.

The customs and daily utensils of Mongolians who have lived a nomadic life on the grassland for generations reflect the life on horseback. Therefore, the Mongols are called the people on horseback. Over time, horse culture has become a national culture. For example, Mongolian robes, Mongolian boots and other national costumes needed for nomadic life; Saddles, harnesses and other harnesses are typical components of horseback riding culture. Horses are indispensable means of transportation in the life of grassland nomads. With horses, we can understand the connotation of the vast grassland and accurately choose the ideal grassland for the next nomadic people. With horses, nomadic people scattered on the vast grassland can communicate with each other; Only with horses can herds of cattle, horses, sheep and camels be raised on the boundless prairie. Mongolian robes and boots are most suitable for riding and running in cold winter. When riding a horse, the Mongolian robe can cover the whole leg to resist the cold and reduce the resistance and burden brought by the wind to the horse. Saddles are the most suitable tools when you spend the night in the grassland. Put the saddle pad (Mongolian Tohoom) under it, and the pillow saddle can sleep peacefully, neither catching cold nor keeping out the wind (the protruding parts on both sides of the saddle can keep out the wind). Harness has many indirect functions besides harness. Seeing the harness stuck in the ground on the grassland shows that a beautiful girl and a strong and kind young man are in love there, and people on the grassland will make a detour when they see this scene.

Sour horse milk is the product of Mongolian people's ability and wisdom to adapt to nature, and it is the most common natural green health care product in grassland people's daily life. It is also a nutritious, sweet and delicious summer drink for VIPs. Mongolian people have been drinking sour mare's milk for a long time and have accumulated rich practical experience in the production and medical functions of sour mare's milk. Sour horse milk has the effects of expelling cold, relaxing muscles and tendons, promoting blood circulation, strengthening lung and strengthening stomach. Because Mongolians drink this natural green healthy drink every day, they will have a strong body and can survive in the harsh natural environment. Every July and August, when cattle fatten Ma Zhuang, it is the season for brewing milk wine and sour mare's milk. Hard-working and brave Mongolian women store mare's milk in leather bags, stir it for thousands of times every day, and then separate the milk fat after a few hours and ferment it into sour mare's milk. At this time, the Horse Milk Festival was held. Relatives and friends get together, drink horse milk, and the elders say blessing. This is the time for grassland people to celebrate the harvest and communicate with each other. Mongolian herdsmen found many unique functions and health care functions of sour horse milk in their long-term nomadic practice, and founded the "sour horse milk therapy" of Mongolian medicine. The classic records of Mongolian medicine: "Sour horse milk is sour, sweet and astringent; Acid can stimulate appetite, help digestion, dispel the temperature and promote qi circulation; Willing to strengthen the body, tonify the deficiency, dredge the esophagus, cure injuries, set bones and detoxify, and enhance the physiological functions of the five senses; Astringent taste can cure blood heat, remove blood stasis, reduce fat, remove rot, generate skin and lubricate skin.

Many clothes named after horses are very popular among the people, such as vest, which means vest. Mandarin jacket: Mandarin jacket of Manchu men in Qing Dynasty, popular all over the country, started in Qianlong and flourished in Jiaqing, with short jacket and short sleeves, which is convenient for riding and shooting. Horsetail hat: a traditional male hat of Han nationality, popular in Guizhou. It is woven from ponytails. Riding boots: Mongolian traditional boots, popular in Mongolia. Mastulan: The arm ornaments of Gaoshan Atayal men are popular in Taiwan Province Province. Horseshoe Sleeve: A kind of dress sleeve of Manchu in Qing Dynasty, which was popular in Northeast China.