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The Mongols were wandering herdsmen of
Central Asia. They traveled with their herds of sheep, goats, horses,
camels and cattle moving them from season to season seeking fresh
pastures.
In the early 1200’s under the
leadership of Genghis Khan, the Mon go! herdsmen were forged into a
war-like horde. They became fearful of losing their grazing land to the
ever expanding Chinese. Genghis so inspired his followers that they became
victors over many lands.
The Great Wall of China, built as a
barrier to warring tribes, was no deterrent to the onslaught of the vast
strength of the Mongols. Under the rule of Genghis Khan Mongolia extended
from the Pacific Ocean to the Caspian Sea.
Even though they were warriors and nomads
their year end celebration of Herdsmen’s Day was a day of feasting and
celebrating. The men exhibited their skill in horsemanship and the women
dressed in their best adding silver and trinkets to their headdresses.
Gifts of trinkets and products of the time were exchanged within the
family much like our exchanges today.
Orientals (those touched by the Mongols)
may have been influenced by these year-end celebrations. One Chinese God,
Tsai Sen Yeh appears at the end of the year and gives money gifts to the
children. He carries the traditional sack on his back and is a favorite of
the children as he makes his rounds. It is believed Marco Polo, a close
friend of Genghis Khan, may have introduced Christian ideals and customs
while he was living in China.
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