TITLE:
Analyzing the Symbolic Meanings of Certain Mongolian Rituals for “Unsettled” Children
AUTHORS:
Gerelmaa Erdenechuluun
KEYWORDS:
Liminal, Dom, Taboo, Society, Unity, Affliction, Remedy
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Social Sciences,
Vol.13 No.4,
April
29,
2025
ABSTRACT: In this paper, we aimed for rituals related to infants through the lens of the dichotomous classifications within the liminality theory of ritual studies. Specifically, we categorize these rituals into four main sections: 1) rituals of acknowledging the spirit child, 2) rituals performed during the liminal phase of “non-human” existence, 3) rituals conducted through the dearest child’s objects and belongings, and 4) rituals for the burial of dearest child. Through these categories, we attempt to clarify the meaning of certain rite of affliction. Overall, rituals performed for dearest children are fundamental practices aimed at influencing non-human forces, appeasing, deceiving, or correcting them, to establish the boundary of death. The rite of affliction associated with the dearest child can be interpreted as community’s unity and represents a collective societal response.