Culture and Tradition

Culture and Tradition A

1

What mythical creature is the symbol of Ulaanbaatar?

Khangarid - a mythical phoenix-like bird

1

During Tsagaan Sar, which people do not exchange formal greetings (zolgolt) with each other?

Husband and wife do not perform zolgolt with each other.  

1

Ulaanbaatar is situated in a valley surrounded by four mountains. Please name the four mountains.

Bogd Khan Mountain • Songino Khairkhan • Bayanzurkh Mountain • Chingeltei Mountain

2

How is the traditional alcoholic beverage airag made? Please explain the entire procedure

Airag (Айраг) is made by fermenting mare’s milk, which is churned or stirred repeatedly in a large container until it ferments into a mildly alcoholic drink.

2

Who is considered the founder and first shogun of the Kamakura shogunate?

Minamoto no Yoritomo

Culture and Tradition B

1

In terms of land area, in what place is Mongolia ranked in the world?

18th largest country in the world

1

What is the name of Japan’s fast high-speed train?

Shinkansen

1

What is the difference between sushi and sashimi?

Sushi is fish and rice, but sashimi is raw fish slices and no rice.

2

What is Ikebana?

Japanese art of floral arrangement.

2

In what year did Meiji Restoration begin?

1868

Culture and Tradition C

1

What is the Japanese philosophy that finds beauty in imperfection?

Wabi-Sabi

1

Name all the provinces (aimags) with “Gobi” in their name.

Dornogovi Province, Dundgovi Province,Umnugovi Province, Govisumber Province

1

What is the Japanese concept that means “continuous improvement?

Kaizen

2

In 1993, renowned Mongolian artist Norovbanzad received the Fukuoka Asian Culture Prize. For preserving which genre of traditional Mongolian performance art was she awarded?

Urtiin duu (Уртын дуу / Mongolian Long Song), preserved by Norovbanzad.

2

Before being named “Ulaanbaatar” in 1924, what was the name of Mongolia’s capital city?

Niislel Khuree (Нийслэл Хүрээ)

Culture and Tradition D

1

What are traditional floor mats called in Japan?

Tatami

1

In terms of land area, in what place is Japan ranked in the world?

61st largest country in the world

1

What was the capital city of the Great Mongol Empire between 1235 and 1260?

Karakorum

2

What period of Japanese history was ruled by the Tokugawa Ieyasu and his descendants?

The Edo Period

2

Name three of the largest lakes in Mongolia.

Uvs lake, Khuvsgul lake, Khyargas lake