The nomadic lifestyle of the Mongols is closely tied to their traditional yurts. Due to their frequent movement and close connection with nature, their hygiene practices and bathing methods are quite distinctive.
The Mongols are one of the few ethnic groups that continue to live a nomadic lifestyle, with yurts serving as their unique dwelling. However, this also presents a challenge, as the structure of a yurt is relatively simple and does not include facilities like toilets or baths.
Once constructed, a yurt is primarily used as a sleeping area without any amenities such as a bathroom. Moreover, the Mongols live in family units, with the entire family sleeping in the yurt. So, what do Mongols do when they need to bathe or use the restroom?
Yurts are the unique dwellings of the Mongols.
Mongolian nomads are renowned for their continuous movement alongside herds of livestock across vast steppes. Their lives are intricately linked to traditional yurts, which serve as spaces for living, sheltering, and fulfilling personal hygiene needs.
A significant reason for the Mongolian nomads’ choice to live in yurts is their high mobility, which ensures a suitable living environment for their livestock and sheep, while also providing ample high-quality pasture for their economic sustenance.
This is why every family living in a yurt chooses to build their yurt near a water source. On one hand, it ensures a water supply for human consumption; on the other hand, it meets the hygiene and cleanliness requirements of the people.
Every family living in a yurt chooses to build near a water source.
Due to natural conditions and their migratory habits, Mongolian nomads often relieve themselves outdoors, away from the yurt. They dig small holes and cover them with earth, moving to a different spot as needed. This practice helps maintain cleanliness within the yurt and protects the surrounding environment. Some nomadic Mongolian families may construct separate toilet areas, usually small rooms located behind the yurt. These areas are carefully shielded to ensure privacy and are regularly cleaned to prevent odors.
In reality, Mongolians rarely bathe. The climate in their region is cold and dry, primarily due to geographical factors; frequent bathing can easily lead to colds.
The expansive grasslands have fostered a unique nomadic culture among the Mongols. They have lived and thrived here for generations in accordance with the customs of the steppes. For thousands of years, Mongolian nomads have developed the habit of seasonal migration to adapt to the dry and cold climate.
Mongolians can use warm towels to clean themselves or bathe with warm water boiled in the yurt.
The Mongols consider bathing a ritual of spiritual purification alongside personal hygiene. They often bathe in spring water or rivers, especially during hot summer days. In the cold winter, bathing becomes more challenging. Mongolians may use warm towels for body cleaning or bathe with warm water boiled in the yurt. Some families may even have portable wooden bathtubs for when the need arises.
Because Mongolian nomads constantly change their locations based on water and pasture, local residents live in yurts. Yurts are easy to disassemble and transport. As such, they have become the best living solution on the steppes and a remarkable innovation for nomads.
Regarding privacy, local people do not place much importance on it; as long as they ensure no one is nearby when they need to relieve themselves, they feel free to “let their love flow into the earth.” Bathing can be slightly more difficult as it takes time to set up a barrier next to the yurt and heat water. Before bathing, they will inform their family and be cautious of strangers nearby. However, generally, it is rare for strangers to appear, as the yurts built by local residents are usually far apart, making it difficult to encounter outsiders.
Mongolians also place great importance on maintaining cleanliness in their yurts.
Personal hygiene is a significant concern for the Mongols. They regularly wash their hands before meals and after using the restroom. In winter, when water is scarce, they may use snow to clean themselves or wash their hands. Mongolians also highly value maintaining cleanliness within their yurts. They frequently tidy up the yurt, sweep the floors, and air out bedding. Yurts are designed with windows and ventilation holes to facilitate airflow, ensuring a fresh environment and minimizing unpleasant odors.
In reality, Mongolians are not as backward as many might think. They have shopping centers and other recreational venues. The fact is, not everyone lives in a yurt and survives by nomadic herding; only a few families practicing traditional herding live in yurts.
Those who herd and live in yurts are not completely isolated from societal development. Today’s Mongolians are very different from primitive Mongolians. Many of them have established fixed herding areas in various regions, and they no longer need to relocate their homes as their livestock and sheep migrate.
