Mongolia's Nine Nines

  • 1st Nine (late December): Shimiin arkhi (traditional milk vodka) freezes. 
  • 2nd Nine: Regular vodka freezes. 
  • 3rd Nine: The horns of a three-year-old ox freeze and fall off.


The next three nines show the first signs that winter is slowly weakening. 

  • 4th Nine (late January): The horns of a four-year-old ox freeze and fall off. 
  • 5th Nine: Boiled rice no longer freezes.
  • 6th Nine: Snow begins to thin, and roads start to appear. 

 

 The final three nines signal that spring is getting close. 

  • 7th Nine (late February): Hilltops begin to show through the snow.
  • 8th Nine: Snow melts, and the ground becomes damp.
  • 9th Nine (mid-March): Warmer days arrive, marking the end of winter.
Why does the community have this tradition?:

The Nine Nines helped Mongolians survive the extremely harsh winter by predicting when specific weather patterns would occur. By knowing each stage of winter, people could prepare their homes for extreme cold; protect and move livestock at the right time; manage food, fuel and supplies; and stay mentally strong, knowing that spring was getting closer. 

Today, most Mongolians use weather apps and forecasts, but the Nine Nines are still an important part of daily life and culture. People often mention which “nine” they are in when describing how cold it is. The tradition helps people stay patient and hopeful during the longest, coldest months. 

The Nine Nines are also connected to modern festivals and holidays that celebrate winter, strength and community.

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