Tengerism is a way of life more than a religion. Because of this it is often difficult to define. Here are some things that Tengerists do to keep their home peaceful.


Keeping a hoimor
A hoimor is a sacred place in the home. Traditionally, hoimors were always on the North side of the tent opposite the door. (The door always faced south). Modern homes do not take the four directions into consideration so the north side does not always offer a good place for a hoimor. A hoimor should be away from doors, where there is little “traffic”. On a hoimor, there would sometimes be pictures (often images of Chinggis Khaan), candles, food and drink offerings in cups or plates, awards and other things considered important to the family. If there is a shaman in the family, they would keep their equipment on or next to the hoimor, often in a separate trunk called a sheree.

Libating bottles
Whenever a bottle of liquor is opened, the right ring finger is dipped into it 3 times, each time flicking the liquid out. Once for Father Heaven, once for Mother Earth, and once to the ancestors. Then a shot is poured and placed on the hoimor. After these libations, the bottle is ready to be drunk.

Keeping ongons
Ongons are spirit homes. The most common ongon is called the zol zayach. It is for the family and depicts a man and a woman. When blessings come to the family, a token is added to the ongon or butter is rubbed on it. Other ongons are for spirits of nature or animals. They are “fed” now and then with butter or sprinkled with milk, tea, or vodka.

Smudging and burning incense
Smoke takes prayers to the upper world, so smudge or incense is always burned while praying. This is a powerful purifier for the home. A person could also pass a smudge bundle or incense around them three times to purify themselves. Whenever a stick of incense is lit, it is waved at the hoimor 9 times before placed it in it’s burner. This way sacred smoke is offered to the spirits and the ancestors.