Child's First Hair-cutting Ceremony

Child's First Hair-cutting Ceremony

Child’s First Haircut Ceremony (Daahi Urgeeh)

A Treasured Mongolian Tradition

The first haircut ceremony, known as “khüükhdiin daahi urgeeh,” is one of Mongolia’s most meaningful childhood rituals. This ceremony celebrates the child’s growth, welcomes them into the community, and blesses their future.

The tradition reflects Mongolia’s deep cultural values of family, respect, and well-being.

   When Is the Ceremony Held?

Mongolians carefully choose the age based on ancient symbolism:

• Boys: age 3 or 5 (odd numbers symbolize arga — method, strength)
• Girls: age 2 or 4 (even numbers symbolize bilig — wisdom, harmony)

The chosen age differs among families, but the ceremony is always filled with love and blessings.

   How the Celebration Begins

The family hosts a feast much like other major Mongolian celebrations. Guests are welcomed with:

• tsagaalga (dairy dishes)
• mutton and traditional foods
• airag or milk tea

Every guest must taste tsagaalga, and every child receives a full cup—symbolizing purity, health, and long life.

Relatives, neighbors, and close family friends gather to take part in this joyous event.

   The First Cut: Blessings Begin

Among many ethnic groups—Khalkh, Durvud, Bayad, Myangad, Khotgoid—the ceremony begins with an esteemed elder such as:

• the grandfather,
• the father, or
• the midwife who first cared for the child.

Ceremony steps:

1. The steward announces:
   “Let us begin cutting the hair of our son/daughter.”
2. A respected elder touches the child’s head with a wooden knife (a symbolic gesture).
3. The first lock of hair is cut with scissors and wrapped in a khadag (sacred blue scarf).
4. The child tastes milk, and a drop is placed on the forehead as a blessing.
5. A benediction is spoken, wishing the child long life, strength, wisdom, and kindness.

   Blessings from the Guests

The child is then guided among the guests (moving right to left, the auspicious direction). Each guest:

• cuts a small piece of hair
• offers a present
• gives well-wishing words such as:
  “Live long,” “Be kind,” “Honor your parents,” “Serve your people well.”

These blessings reflect the hopes of Mongolian families for their children’s future.

   Symbolic Hair Tufts

Traditionally:

• Boys keep a single tuft on the forehead
• Girls keep two tufts on the temples

These tufts symbolize:

• A boy becoming a future head of the household
• A girl growing into a wise and nurturing mother and wife

They are kept until maturity, when boys may form a braid and girls may wear pigtails.
Today, girls often have only a small symbolic snip instead of a full haircut.

   Celebration After the Ceremony

Following the hair-cutting:

• Guests enjoy the feast
• Children may participate in wrestling matches
• A traditional two-year-old colt race may be held if possible

These joyful activities celebrate the child’s transition into a new stage of life.

The blessings, poetry, and festive atmosphere make daahi urgeeh one of Mongolia’s most heartfelt family traditions.

   A Celebration of Growth and Community

The child’s first haircut ceremony is more than a milestone—it is a powerful expression of:

• Family unity
• Respect for ancestors
• Wishes for a prosperous and honorable future
• The bond between child and community

It remains one of Mongolia’s most cherished traditions, marking a child’s first steps toward independence and identity.