Since the beginning of time, the Mongols considered the upbringing and education of their children in a civilized manner to be an obligation before the state and the people. This is why the linguistic association of the Mongolian word "humuujil" (educate, bring up) is related to the idea of "humuun" (human) or "humuuniig hun bolgoh" (to bring up, make up a man). Along with a healthy and normal physical upbringing, much attention was paid to the intellectual, moral and ethical development of a child, even when unborn. Mongolian traditions strictly forbid frightening a pregnant woman, making her unhappy or employing her to do difficult jobs.
Furthermore, it was forbidden to cross a pregnant woman when walking, to say bad words in her presence, to swear or even speak in a loud voice. Such traditions came from the deep respect and care given to an unborn child, who, it was considered, might become a genius, an esteemed and distinguished statesman, or just a dear and faithful person for his parents, relatives and community. The Mongol saying "Holiig ni doroond, garyg ganzagand" translates literally as "make the child's legs reach the stirrups and hands reach the saddle thongs". This means that the child must grow up physically able to help his parents and relatives with their daily activities.
As the right nutrition was important for healthy growth, along with sufficient milk and milk products, children were taught about the danger of over-eating or being hungry and of choking, in addition to good manners. Particular attention was paid to children's toys and games in order to make children smart, clever, intelligent, honest and trustworthy; games and toys created and invented by the Mongols prove this. For example, playing horse racing with shagai (lamb's ankle bone), guessing the sum of anklebones in one's hand, setting the so-called "alag melkhii" (multicoloured frog), bone shooting, and shagai shuurekh -game played with anklebones.
By entertaining their children with puzzle games and toys made of wood or metal, the Mongols used to teach them Mongolian traditions and customs which served to broaden their minds. As the Mongols say, permanent scolding or rebuking of a child, or intimidation and threatening make a child perverse and stubborn, therefore a caring and loving education was considered particularly important. However, they said, excessive love and care made a child capricious and spoilt. Accordingly, Mongols have many proverbs such as "Erkhiig surakhaar berkhiig sur"(To be experienced instead of being spoiled). One of the established norms of behaviour of the Mongols was the tradition of greeting and saluting each other with respect and honour.
From ancient times, the Mongols deeply revered combining words of well-wishing with the words of greetings. The traditional ceremony of greeting during the Tsagaan Sar is performed once a year. The ceremony of greeting with a "hadag" (blue silk scarf) is a tradition inherited from ancient times. It is strictly adhered to and is considered the highest and most revered form of greeting. If this were not followed it would be considered disrespectful and be condemned. Upon greeting, young people stretch both hands towards the elders with palms up, the elders do the same with palms faced down, but the young people hold the elbows of the old people as if to support them. Greeting elders in this way could be performed with or without a hadag.
- It is forbidden to look suspiciously at ones mother, father, grandparents, and familiar or unfamiliar elderly people. The offending person would be treated as a man disregarding the law and considered worse than an animal;
- It is forbidden to throw waste into rivers, lakes and spas, the offender would be punished for spoiling the water - the source of all life;
- Mongols do not beat horses, dogs and animals; it is equal to beating a close friend;
- It is strictly forbidden to throw burning ash from the stove as the burning ambers might came a fire and endanger the life of people and animals and damage the nature;
- It is forbidden to leave holes for rope and tether fastening unfilled with soil or stones. The soil injured by a stake must be re-covered. Open holes may also injure the legs of animals.
- It would be considered shameful to urinate towards the setting or rising sun. This way one respects the holiness of the sun, the rays of which shine and illuminate the whole world.
- Not feeding a guest is considered as a sign of ignorance and unfriendliness. This person would be called greedy and stingy, who ignores the Mongolian tradition of hospitality.It is forbidden to be unfair or inhuman, to be arrogant and rude, which insults the reputation of the elders, of ancestors and of one's personal reputation. The Mongols highly revere their reputation, which is evident from the proverbs "Muu amidyavsnaas ner turtei sain ukh" (Better to die with a good reputation than be alive with a bad one), "Ner khugarsnaas yas khugar n' deer" (Better the bone be broken than one s reputation).
