The Great Tsam Dance

The year of the Dragon has come to its end and the year of the Snake is welcoming us. To celebrate the New Year, this article introduces the magnificent Great Tsam Dance, a dance that is considered to be supreme among all religious performances.

Scholar B.Renchin lifted the Mongolian Tsam Dance to the world stage and made it an object of significant study internationally when he co-produced a film about the Tsam Dance. He later published a book in Germany titled “Mongol Tsam.” These efforts were of inestimable significance in promoting the dance.

The Tsam Dance is not just a dance in which the dancers wear masks, it is a ritual to coax spirits and deities. The Tsam Dance performance starts with a sermon by a specially-selected monk. There are many customs surrounding the Tsam Dance. For instance, the dance is only performed by men. The men must be flexible and graceful and may not dance if they are wounded. Furthermore, the dancers must have clean bodies, so must eat only vegetarian food for three days prior to the performance. There are various types of Tsam dance, including the Offering Tsam, Maitreya Tsam, Breath Tsam and Jakhar Tsam.

The Tsam Dance was first performed at the Erdenezuu Monastery in 1786. This dance features White, Blue and Yellow Old Men. The White Old Man represents Europe, the Blue Old Man represents the non-Europeans, while the Yellow Old Man depicts Asians, in particular Mongolians. The dance symbolizes the peaceful and united coexistence of the people of three different colors, living in harmony across five continents.

The beard of the White Old Man is made from the mane of a horse that is only ridden by its master, and with the hair of a cow’s tail. According to the Great Scholar Agvaanluvsankhaidav, it is strictly forbidden to make the beard with inappropriate materials.

The clothing for Tsam Dancers is special. For instance, the deel worn by the dancers has longer sleeves than the regular deel. Each Tsam Dance deel requires approximately 30 meters of fabric and silk. Additional waist jackets and other items are also required. Each of these items of clothing are sewn with intricate appliqués, embroidery and stitching methods. The clothes are also decorated with camel bone, which looks like ivory. When they have been completed, the clothes are purified with juniper and incense.

Whoever sees and experiences the Tsam Dance receives a blessing equal to a hundred thousand Choijodugjug sermons and viewing the dance can help the viewer find rebirth at a higher level. Furthermore, the coaxing of the deities and spirits contributes to activities that care for and protect Mother Nature.

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