Ask the moon

In Mongolia, going to the hairdresser or booking up an electrician is not something to do off the cuff.

Rather, it's important to consult the traditional Mongolian lunar calendar, which determines which days are favourable. If you are planning a big event, such as a wedding or branding grazing animals, you would typically turn to Buddhist monks for help interpreting the calendar.

Similarly, no one is advised to pour the concrete foundation of their house without first seeking the monks' advice. They will recommend the right day as well as specific gifts that should be mixed into the cement: gold pieces, brown rice or green tea, which will all be wrapped in blue silk scarves. The younger generation is less attached to these complicated rules, but my parents, for example, rigidly stick to these practices.

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KULTURAUSTAUSCH is the magazine for international perspectives. It is published quarterly and presents international cultural relations from fresh perspectives. We focus on people and regions that rarely feature in the German debate.

Renowned authors such as Serhij Zhadan, Fatou Diome, Liao Yiwu, Ibram X. Kendi or Gioconda Belli have their say, as do other voices from around the globe from Afghan women doctors to mine workers in Congo to racing drivers from Qatar.

KULTURAUSTAUSCH stands for diversity and close-up journalism. Published by ifa – Institute for Foreign Cultural Relations in partnership with ConBrio Verlag.