The most ancient branch of the Mongolian group - the Barag Tribe, live on the spectacular Hulunbuir Grassland, the birthplace of Mongolians. The Tribe appeared in many historical materials prior to the unification of Mongolia.

Academicians differ in opinion in regards to the historical origin of the "Barag people". Some believe they originated from the east of the Baykal River, while others believe they originated from the Heilong River. A further, third group feels they came from the Kerulun River.

As to the origin of the name "Barag", no agreement by experts has been reached in academic circles either. Some scholars think it alludes to a Shamanist myth, in which the word "Barag" appeared, and some believe it is related to a Tujue (an ethnic minority in ancient north China) word "Bayiergu", which means "happy or well-off people". A third opinion is that the word is a byproduct of originating in the east of the Baykal Lake.

These varied opinions help create the allure and mystery of the Barag people, with its special historical legacies and ethnic traditions, resulting in the most unique branch of all of the Mongolian groups.

The unique culture, art and dressing code of this special Mongolian group is perhaps best glimpsed through a wedding ceremony, which people say is the most effective and efficient way to discover an ethnic minority group.

By the side of the beautiful Hohonursz Lake, Meng Ke, a handsome man Meng Ke and Nuo Min, a lovely girl, have fallen in love. Since they are faithful believers in free love, they are preparing to get married without abiding by the ancient Barag engagement customs.

One day, Meng Ke's family members arrive at Nuo Min's home, aiming to set a wedding date. As all the Barag people are sincere believers in Shamanism, the parents attach much importance selecting an auspicious wedding date for their children, believing it is of great importance to their future well-being and safety.

Barag Bridegroom

After much discussion and selection, the wedding date is finally set. The good news will soon be known across the Barag Grassland, as the bride and groom's parents busily send invitations to relatives and friends.

With just over ten days before the wedding, the whole Meng Ke family concentrate on making preparations for the wedding ceremony. According to Barag customs, a yurt for the newlyweds has to be covered with new felt rugs, which also have to be made during the yurt’s construction. Rolling the felt rug is an interesting job, which requires many people's participation. When finished, the new felt rug is wrapped up and dragged into a smooth and solid finish.

Meanwhile, at Nuo Min's home, a group of deft women are making the wedding clothes. On the Barag plain, it is custom to prepare clothes for the bride for all four seasons, all of which are hand-made stitch by stitch. A special pillow will also be made for the newlyweds.

As the wedding ceremony is a grand social occasion for gathering the people living on the vast grassland, everyone dresses themselves in their most beautiful clothes to put their best foot forward. The wedding ceremony, therefore, also provides a stage for them to show their personal charm – and perhaps meet a future partner of their own.

As the wedding procession finally sets off, the toastmaster dips his hands into a dairy mixture and expresses best wishes to them by paying tributes to the gods. On the Barag plain, the wedding procession always leaves in the night and the bridegroom is often dressed like an armed soldier to being sent to the front, reminiscent of traditions that date back to the time of Genghis Khan.

Arriving at the bride' house, the wedding ceremony master, the matchmaker and the bridegroom enter the yurt in succession and extend their greetings to the seated elders, one after another. The bride, with her bridesmaids, sits behind them - in the Barag wedding, there are rigorous arrangements regarding the main yurt's seating plan. After that, the bridegroom presents his gifts to the bride's parents, who propose the wedding feast be held together.

Preparing the dowry

Prior to leaving, the bride's elders will dress the bridegroom in the handmade wedding clothes and wrap on a 1.6-meter-long belt around his waist, representing longevity according to Barag customs. They also hand him with a bow and some arrows.

As the dawn breaks, the wedding procession begins with the bridegroom informing the family members of glad tidings whilst waiting for the bride's arrival.

Back at the bride's home, the family members, relatives and friends of the bride, having drunk the wedding wine, check the dowry and prepare to see the bride off. Nuo Min, like most brides, feel anxious about parting with her parents and hometown, Her mother, who bids farewell to her the daughter with tears in eyes, spills some milk over the ground, praying for a peaceful and fortunate life for her daughter.

In a traditional Barag wedding, the bride's escorting procession leaves for the bridegroom's home on strong and steady horseback. Accompanying this vast 'horse team' is a two-horse-driven wagon carrying the senior or respectable party members. Sometimes, a small two-wheeled carriage is also. Inside the wagon or carriage are numerous decorations, which also convey traditional culture and life as well as religious beliefs. 

As the Hunlun Buir Grassland covers a vast area and the Barag people are sparsely scattered, sometimes it may take several days for the wedding procession to reach the bride's home. In modern times, however, the Barag people have begun to use cars for the procession.

Barag Grassland

As is custom, the bridegroom's family usually sends for a team to receive the escorting procession and serve wine and cigarettes to the distinguished guests. After that, the two teams will head off to the bridegroom's home, where people anxiously wait. Upon arrival, the escorting procession will circle the yurt clockwise three times before dismounting by the hitching post.

In accordance with Barag customs of marriage, the bride cannot enter the bridal chamber until all the dowry has been moved in. One of the most interesting customs is the beating of the pillow, in which people fight to beat the bride's pillow with a stick. This signifies the washing away of dust and the past to bring loyalty to the newlyweds. After a fit of bustle and commotion, the escorting people are invited into the yurt in order of seniority.

Right after the wedding ceremony, the bride goes to the kitchen to prepare milk-tea. It is a long-existing tradition for the bride to serve the milk-tea she first prepares after marriage to the guests, which not only shows her cooking abilities but also marks the beginning of her being part of the family.

After the bride's milk-tea, it is time for the escorting procession to return home. The bride's elders will usually make a point of especially escorting the newlyweds to bless love and harmony. The bridegroom's family members then toast and bid farewell to them. Afterwards, the quickest man among the escorting procession will grab the silver bowl and ride away to be chased by the bridegroom’s rider sent to the task. Vying for the silver bowl is seen as a comparison and competition of skills and strength between the two families.

People gather with the bridegroom's family to give themselves over to dances and songs, and the bonfire often stays burning until dawn.