Etiquette inside a Mongolian ger

Since ancient times Mongolians have honoured the home and taught how to behave properly inside it. Guests are seated on the west (right-hand) side of the khoimor, while the host sits on the east side, so the head of the household can talk with visitors face to face.

There are customs that both guests and family members observe. They are less superstition than a refined culture of respect — for the people around you, for the hearth and for yourself.

Nine customs to observe inside a ger

1. Don’t stand straddling the doorway
2. Don’t lean on the pillars to get up
3. Never sit on the threshold
4. Don’t eat or drink lying down
5. Don’t sit sprawled with your legs apart
6. Don’t wear your hat backwards inside
7. Never walk between the two pillars
8. Don’t squat on your heels
9. Don’t lean your whip inside the ger

Explore these customs interactively here.