Ceremonial foods
Special foods are prepared for all ritual and ceremonial occasions - including the lunar new year (Cagaan Sar), the national holiday (Naadam), rituals for the worship of natural sacred sites, and the reception and departure of honoured guests, as well as during traditional festivities (nair xurim) to mark the construction of a new ger, marriage, baby-washing, the child's first haircut, the birthing of livestock and the production of the first airag, or the making of felt.
The foods eaten on these occasions differ from those consumed on a daily basis; but generally the most important part of a ceremonial meal is mutton, either the complete sheep or several joints, depending on the size of the event. The meat of a complete sheep is prepared for major events such as a state or religious ceremony, the making of large-scale offerings to a sacred natural site, the reception of a highly esteemed guest, or a wedding, and includes the rump, the four joints, the neck, thoracic vertebrae, shoulderblade and four highest ribs (dal dörvön öndör), the ribs and the head (excluding the jaw). The cooked meat of the animal is placed on a large board or platter with the four joints laid out as though the live sheep were seated on the ground, with the thoracic vertebrae and neck placed between these and the complete rump above them, with the tail end facing outwards; the head is placed on top of the rump, in the centre. The first cut of the rump must be made by the head of the household or by a senior guest, after which small pieces are distributed to all those present.
During rituals and festivities plates of dairy products, biscuits, candies and fruits are set out on the table. Cagaalga, airag and milk also perform an important role. Steamed, boiled or fried meat-filled pasta (buuz, bansh, xuushuur), of Chinese origin but now a definite part of the Mongolian diet, are also considered honorific. The Mongols also show respect to guests by offering boiled meat on the bone.
 | In commemoration of the legacy and teachings of His Holiness Dulduit Danzanravzhaa Fifth Wrathful Noble Xutagt of the Great Gobi (1803-1856) I did not overbearingly sophize Nor preach with pride and arrogance But having found a sense in this world Spoke the truth of my dear heart. |   |