Наєр

So first and foremost I would like to apologize for not writing many blog entries. It’s so easy to get caught up in the events going on around you that you forget to let the rest of the world know what’s going on. In this blog I will focus on an experience that has had an impact on my life within the past couple of weeks. I will be discussing Mongolian house warming parties (Наєр).

            For the past couple of weeks the teachers at my school have been attending Наєр (Naer transliterated). In Mongolia when a person or family purchases a new home, whether it is a ger, house, or apartment, they have a Наєр, also known as a house warming party. This event is to welcome coworkers, family members, acquaintances, etc. to one’s new home and it also serves as a blessing to the household. In America we have Наєр’s as well but in Mongolia they usually play out in the same fashion. So far I have attended 2 Наєр’s and they have comprised of the same agenda. When you first arrive to the person’s house you take a seat and usually wait for other guest to be fully seated. When you walk in you are greeted by a décor of dried fruit and candy, fashionably displayed on coffee tables. Also there are bottles of vodka and an abundance of plates and bowls that are used for airag and food. Then phase 1 begins.

                        Phase 1 entails being served salad (fruit or potato, sometimes both), airag, and a shot of vodka. Once everyone receives their salad, airag, and shot of vodka, we move on to phase 2, which is composed of the main course. I cannot generalize, as I’ve only attended two of these house-warming parties, but the main course is shul (soup in English). The soup contains potatoes, carrots, meat, tomato flavoring, and noodles. Not to digress, but I have to say that Mongolians are very good at making soup. Although their ingredients are modest, the flavoring leaves you craving more after you are finished. When all of the guest are finished eating the true festivities begin.

Phase 3 entails drinking numerous shots of vodka and airag and singing a Mongolian song. This is when everyone relaxes and engages in conversation and when people begin singing, everyone chimes in. Unfortunately for me I did not know the full length of any Mongolian song. I did know the first line for one song so when it was my turn to sing I harmoniously sang the first line with all of my heart and soul and lip-synced the rest of the words. I’m pretty sure that the schoolteachers knew I was faking my knowledge of the song but they still sang with joy. The singing is usually the ending to the Наєр but sometimes guests remain and engage in conversation until the feast is concluded.

I am not too sure how many more of these house-warming parties I will be invited to but I am glad to accept any invitation upon request. Free food and spending time with your coworkers! What more can a girl ask for? In other news the weather is starting to get a bit chilly. There are still nice warm days in between when the bright sun kisses my amber cheeks. I am looking forward to winter! Well… until next time.