Mongolian Customs and Traditions

We have some traditions, customs, and superstitions in the USA. Try to think of something traditional that we do in the USA. For example, students saying the Pledge of Allegiance each morning in school. That would be something I consider a tradition, something that has held true for a long time. An American custom? I think the greeting, "Hi!" would be custom to the USA. You don't hear that from many other places! But what about superstitions? Opening an umbrella in the house is thought to bring a death in the family. A black cat crossing your path is bad luck. The number 13, because there were 13 people at Christ's last supper, is also thought to be bad luck. Mongolia has many of these same... ideas. I'm not sure if I should call them traditions, customs, or superstitions, so I'll just label them as All of the Above. Read on to hear more about these "ideas"...

1. If you bump someone's foot with your foot, shake their hand. You don't want them to be your enemy.
2. Don't cry in bed.
3. Don't sing in bed.
4. If you leave your closet door (or wardrobe door) open, all your wealth will leave you.
5. If you leave the spoon in the food and then leave the house, your wealth will leave you.
6. Ladies, if you put your purse on the floor or the ground, your wealth will leave you.
7. Don't whistle in the house. It brings snakes inside!
8. Cutting your hair on the new moon is bad luck.
9. Don't put underwear on your head (seriously, I did it once and got in trouble!! ;)
10. Book are very sacred items. They don't belong on the floor or near your feet (I really like this one! I love books!). Take good care of them!
11. Don't splash water on people even in fun! Especially not in the house!
12. Don't eat standing up!
13. Don't sit on the corner of the table... you will never marry!
14. If you need to pick something out of your teeth, use a toothpick, but for God's sake, cover your mouth while you do it! It's very offensive for people to see you picking your teeth.
15. Don't sit with your feet pointing at anyone!

I know there are many more, so look forward to Part Hoyr (Two!) in the future!!