History
In order to protect their culture from being erased, the Mongols fought for their freedom after the Qing Dynasty implemented cultural assimilation policies in Outer Mongolia during the 20th Century (Office Holidays, n.d.). After the Xinhai Revolution overthrew the Qing Dynasty in May 1911, the Mongols were able to free themselves from Chinese rule through a national movement known as the Mongolian Revolution of 1911. Thus, Mongolia became a Bogd Khaanate (Great Mongolian State) through the enthronement of 8th Bogd Jebtsundamba Khutuktu as the King of Mongolia and a theocratic ruler on December 29, 1911. The 1911 Revolution and the liberation of Mongolia in 1911 gave way for the country to fully gain and restore national autonomy in 1921 through the 1921 People’s Revolution (Aminaa, 2017).
Celebrations
In accordance with the parliamentary resolutions, December 29 was made into a public celebration on August 16, 2007. Then, on December 23, 2011 it was made into a public holiday, as Mongols also celebrated the 100th anniversary of the 1911 independence declaration in that year (Aminaa, 2017).
Mongolia celebrates its National Independence Day through a wreath-laying ceremony to the Chinggis Khaan Statue on the central square attended by high-level state officials and wrestling tournaments (Baljimaa, 2020).
Sources:
- Aminaa, K. (2017, December 29). Today is National Freedom and Independence Day. MONTSAME Mongolian News Agency. https://www.montsame.mn/en/read/132930
- Baljmaa, T. (2020, December 29). Today marks National Liberation and Independence Day in Mongolia. MONTSAME Mongolian News Agency. https://www.montsame.mn/en/read/248279
- Office Holidays. (n.d.). Independence Day in Mongolia in 2021. Office Holidays. Retrieved December 26, 2021, from https://www.officeholidays.com/holidays/mongolia/mongolia-independence-day
