Mongolian blue.
Thread of color through land of
Vast sky and silk scarves.
In the US blue is just another primary color that might represent water or denote a feeling of sadness but the same color in Mongolia plays a much more meaningful role. Originally from shamanistic beliefs worshiping an "Eternal Blue Sky", the color blue is found throughout Mongolian culture and symbolizes protection and blessings. According to Lonely Planet's _Mongolia_, sky worship is an integral part of shamanism and Mongolians leave blue scarves (representing the sky) on various religious and secular locations. Jack Weatherford relates that in the time of Ghengis Khan, Mongols would put the palms of their hands facing upwards toward the "Eternal Blue Sky" to receive blessings. The tradition of using the color blue has transferred from Shamanistic beliefs to Tibetan Buddhism (80% of Mongolians are Buddhist) and blue silk scarves swathe Buddhist sites all over Mongolia.
Blocks of blue color, from shades of aqua to royal blue, are found in the city and countryside, in high locations and low locations, at sacred sites and on everyday items. The hue is commonly found on painted doors and on silk scarves tied to structures. Blue plays a prominent role in the visual culture of all of Mongolia. The variety of items with blue pigment in Mongolia reflects the country's rapid change from traditional to modern values and its attempt to hold both. It is seen in everything from sacred Buddha statues, traditional clothing and saddles to mundane cell phones, graffiti and garbage cans. The intention of putting a blue begging bowl on a Buddha statue is the same for putting blue tape around a leak in a hose - to bring strength, protection and blessings.
As a Buddhist, I was eager to see what kind of role Buddhism played in Mongolian culture. It was a pleasant surprise to see a plethora of blue scarves, bringing Buddhist blessings, tied around trees, poles and bridges throughout the city and countryside as well as on "ovoos" (rock piles) marking sacred sites and mountain passes. Since I live in a country where Christianity pervades the culture it is a treat for me to spend time in a place where my spiritual beliefs are reflected back to me around every corner. Blue has never held a particular meaning for me in the past but since spending time in Mongolia this hue will now hold a special place in my memories.
It is not difficult to find blue things to photograph in Mongolia. I could have been releasing the shutter constantly. It was more of a challenge to pick out the items and environments that expressed my personal experience of Mongolia. I hope that the viewer will explore how a color can capture many aspects of a rapidly changing culture; noticing the shades, shapes and locations of the color blue in my work.
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Trip Photo Page.
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