Ongon

What it is

Ongon describes the spiritual essence left behind by a shaman after they die. Within Mongolian belief systems, these entities serve as protective ancestors who maintain a connection with their families. The term also covers the physical objects created to house or represent these spirits. Such items range from small household charms to larger ceremonial idols. They act as focal points for rituals where practitioners seek guidance or safeguarding from the ancestral realm.

Where it comes from

The concept emerges directly from Mongolian shamanic cosmology. It holds that every shaman transforms into an ongon upon passing. Communities believe these souls retain power and influence over the living. Historical records indicate that idols dedicated to these spirits were consecrated within three years of the practitioner's death.

How it is done

Rituals involving ongon typically require a shaman to enter a trance state while beating a drum. This action is believed to summon the spirit for communication. In black shamanism, the primary role of the practitioner is facilitating this contact. Yellow shamanism also engages with these entities, gathering periodically to renew their connection. The physical idol serves as the anchor for the spirit during these ceremonies.

Tools and materials

Representations vary widely but often include carved figures attached to drums. One example features a figure with a pink head, black crown, and red eyes, using wire for arms. Talismans known as lineage or household ongon are kept in homes. These objects are designed to attract and contain the spirit. Locations for placement include domestic spaces or open shelters in the field.

What it is for

The main goal is to secure protection and maintain familial bonds with the dead. Practitioners invoke the ongon to guide living relatives and ward off misfortune. The spirits are seen as powerful allies who can intervene in worldly affairs. By keeping the idol close, families ensure the ancestor continues to watch over them.

Who does it

Shamans are the central figures in this tradition. They create the physical representations and lead the invocations. Specific roles exist within different branches; black shamans focus heavily on contacting ongon through trance. Yellow shamans participate in collective renewal rituals. Training involves learning how to handle the spirits and manage the associated rituals.

Peoples and places

The practice is rooted in Mongolia, with significant presence among the Darkhad people in the northern valleys. Tuvan communities also utilize similar concepts, integrating spirits into their own shamanic frameworks. Regional differences appear in how the spirits are housed and invoked. Some areas emphasize mountain locations, while others focus on domestic household maintenance.

What people believe

Mongolian shamanism views the afterlife as a continuation of spiritual service. Deceased shamans do not fade away but become active forces. They inhabit specific places like mountains or rivers, which take their names. The boundary between the physical and spiritual worlds is porous, allowing ongon to move between realms when invited by ritual.

When it is done

Idols are consecrated shortly after a shaman's death, usually within a three-year window. Yellow shamans historically gathered every three years at specific monasteries to renew their ties. Daily life may involve maintaining household talismans, ensuring the spirit remains welcomed and respected within the home.

Questions people ask about Ongon

Good reading and sources

• Ongon on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data