There is a song called Meeting in Aobao. Can young men and women really meet in Aobao?

Aobao is a literal translation of Mongolian. It is also translated as "Naobao" or "Obo", which means a pile of stones. Originally they marked roads and land boundaries, much like our current road signs. At the junctions of many cities and counties, you can see slogans similar to "The people of such-and-such county welcome you", which actually serve as boundary markers. Later, it gradually evolved into a symbol of offering sacrifices to mountain gods and road gods and praying for a good harvest and the health and safety of family members.

"Obo" can be seen everywhere in Mongolian areas. They are usually made of stones or piled with soil. There is one, there is a big one in the middle, and there are six small ones on the left and right. It is built on the top of a mountain or on a high ground, in a round shape, several feet in size, with willow branches planted on the top and tied with hadas and silk ribbons, so it can be seen from a distance.

"Obo" symbolizes heaven and gods in the minds of Mongolians. It is hereditary and is praised hereditary. It originates from the belief of the grassland nomads in worshiping the longevity sky. It is lofty and supreme. In the past, it was based on tribes and had tribal leaders. The ceremony is led by the shaman (wizard) of the tribe. Nowadays, Aobao sacrifice activities are usually held in the fifth month of the lunar calendar.

In the Qing Dynasty, with the spread and popularity of Lamaism in Mongolia, starting from the Qing Dynasty, a grand "Aobao Sacrifice" meeting was held every year in units of leagues and banners, in the middle of the fifth lunar month. At that time, lamas from the temples are invited to chant sutras. The sacrificial meeting lasts for one to three days depending on the scale. The surrounding pastoral areas are like a festival, with men, women, old and young wearing national costumes to participate.

After the ceremony, people use the wooden or silver bowls they carry with them to drink happily and taste the meat and various foods. Afterwards, Mongolian ethnic events such as horse racing, archery, and wrestling will be held. A traditional competitive event with prizes given to the winners.

In recent years, with the song "Meeting in Aobao", the grand festival of offering sacrifices to Aobao is said to be an opportunity for young men and women to meet each other, and even come to Aobao for a tryst, which is really a reference to Mongolian customs of disrespect.

Tracing back to the origin of "Sacrifice to Aobao", it has a history of at least two thousand years. Since the Donghu Dynasty, there has been a custom of worshiping heaven, piling up soil and inserting willows. "Sacrifice to Aobao" is actually a "sacrifice to heaven" by the nomadic people on the grassland. It is the traditional custom of nomadic people to offer sacrifices to God and bless them with good weather, abundant vegetation, multiplication of livestock and health of the people.

Whenever the Mongolians go on a long journey, whenever they see an "Obo", they will get off or dismount, pick up a few stones or hold a few handfuls of earth, add it to the "Obo", and pay tribute to the "Obo" Put your hands together to salute and pray for peace, then get in the car or get on the horse and continue on the road.

"Sacrifice to Aobao" is a "festival" passed down from generation to generation by Mongolians for thousands of years. We must restore the true nature of "Sacrifice to Aobao".