It's Travel Photo Thursday and this was taken in Mongolia on the road leading out of Ulaan Bataar which leads out to Khar Khorin.
A cairn ( ovoo in Mongolia, which is mainly Buddhist ) where travellers seek good fortune from the spirits. Walking clockwise around this 3 times then placing an offering (usually a blue prayer flag, however we placed stones ) upon the cairn invokes good fortune from the spirits. A real nice way of starting a journey in an optimistic and positive way. Note the crutches placed there.
This is posted to wish good fortune for all those participating in the Mongol Rally - Dave and Deb from The Planet D especially. My way of wishing you all a great safe journey!
On Nancie's Budget Traveler's Sandbox there's a wonderful photo awaits you. And check out all the other photos that linked-in travel bloggers are posting up today!
And spread this good fortune by hitting the Share?Submit icon below thanks!
11 comments:
Interesting photo as well as the story behind it. Voted, tweeted and buzzed on my way to see the rest..
Thanks for sharing Jim
Reminds me of some of the wish poles here in India. I dont know if you have come across them. They are usually tied with red ribbons and have a whole lot of mini tridents stuck on to them. It is mainly to ward of evil. Very interesting picture
http://rimlybezbaruah.blogspot.com/2011/07/questions.html?spref=gr#close=1
Interesting story.
Great pic! I hope the crutches are there because someone realised they didn't need them!
I love the clouds, so beautiful, especially as I'm in Malaysia, which is -- sadly -- very hazy right now from forest burnoffs in Indonesia.
Jim...this is a very informative story and love the photo..it reminds me of the Common Thread in cultures. The cairn where stones are places as you say..and in Native Culture the sacred cloth tied to trees or stones along with a pouch filled with herbs to be left for the Great Spirit until they are disolved by the elements. A beautiful story of ceremony and ritual...
Very cool pic and story, Jim. Hope the stones invoked good fortune for you!
Very interesting tradition! It will be exciting watching as the rally moves along.
Great picture and what a nice gesture for those participating in the Mongol Rally. It's one wild place I'd someday like to see.
Wow- love this photo. The energy and colors are really exciting. I'm equally pumped about the rally- wishing all of them safe travels and lots of fun!
Very interesting story.... and well captured in this photo!
very interesting blog nice post ..thanks for sharing...
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