Rules of Gift Giving
Just like any culture, Mongolian gift giving has a few principles. It’s believed that gifts should have an “open-mouth”, an opening at the top like a cup, bag and socks. They are meant to symbolize prosperity and good fortune unlike “closed-mouth” gifts, which symbolizes fortune pouring out the bag. However, the most auspicious form of gift is the “nine white gifts”, which comprises of eight white horses and a white camel. Often added to this gift is gold, silver, silk, clothes, khadags (traditional ceremonial silk fabric), dairy products and sweets. However, this isn’t mandatory as gifts depend on the occasion and the giver/receiver.
Mongolians give gifts to show appreciation, express gratitude, congratulate, wish good fortune, or simply just because they feel like it. Therefore, it is polite to accept gifts with two hands even if you don’t need it. There is a saying that goes “Бэлгийн морины шүд үздэггүй” which translates to “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth”. In other words, the person giving you a gift considers your job and needs before choosing a present for you, so considering their feelings and accept it gladly is recommended. What you do with it later is absolutely up to you. But most often it would be something you would want to keep for Mongolians give gifts that are symbolic, auspicious and considerate.