The Year of The Pig

Around this time of year, I can easily gain 5 lbs. in one day. My downfall, a yummy fried bread that is the tradition invented by my people who come from the ice cold steppes of Mongolia - where layers of extra fat saves lives. Here, it's just unsightly.

Bordsk is a Mongolian deep-fried bread which is served during the celebration of Tsagan Sar, the Tibetan Buddhist Lunar New Year. Tsagan Sar, when translated means "White Moon" is celebrated two months after the first new moon following the winter solstice. This year, it fell on Feb 18th. I know what you're thinking - Chinese New Year. Yes and no, but many Asian nationalities and cultures celebrate the lunar new year with their own customs and traditions.

During this holiday, Buddhists and celebrants attend "hurul" (temple) for a 2 hour service where lamas chant from Buddhist scripture. After services, visits with family and friends (usually dinner parties) ensue. The tradition lasts for about 2-3 weeks until every last family and friend is seen. At each stop, guests feast on Bordsk and Halmyg Tse (Salted Butter Tea), among a vast cornucupia of other foods, and greet one another with a "Mende, Mende Garu?", which literally means "Hello, Hello, did you get out?" Back in the day, life expectancy was not that high with Ghengis & the Golden Horde in charge.

Visiting children receive sums of money while adults receive gifts. I especially loved Tsagan when I was younger, all Mongolian kids do, because it's an auspicious way to make a chunk of change off the relatives.

Tsagan Sar, like the New Year, is about ushering in new beginnings, good fortune and good tidings of the highest by celebrating spiritually through religious ceremony and then later, merriment with food and drink.

So, to you dear reader, "Mende Mende garu"? And for those of you born under this year's sign, many happy returns!