All White: The White Camel and Symbolism of the White colour in Mongolian Beliefs

Abstract

The distinct significance of the white color for the Mongols has long been noted in the study of Mongol culture. The white color had multiple symbolisms, probably inherited from tradition and from contacts with other Asian peoples. The white camel is one of the "white" animals that were particularly revered, and in symbolic analysis it must be viewed from several aspects, as a sacrificial and as a mythological animal. In this paper, we have looked at the beliefs of the Mongols and the presence of the white color in their beliefs, traditions, and culture, revealing parallels with the peoples with whom they were in close or indirect contact. Due to its importance in the role of a cargo/transport animal on the Silk Road, the camel was particularly revered. In addition to this role, numerous supernatural properties were attributed to it, which are directly related to the appearance of this animal in white.

Keywords

• White Camel
• White Colour
• Symbolism
• Beliefs
• Mongols

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