On the Mongolian "Naadam" Heritage and Its Development

This paper studies systematically the emergence, transmission and development of the Inner Mongolian Naadam by means of document research, on-the-spot investigation and comprehensive analysis. The research shows that "Naadam", which comes from the primitive nomadic life of Mongolian nationality, means a grand meeting and an occasion of great festivity in which archery, equestrianism and wrestling predominate in Gen Gi Khan period's "According to Hu Leelor Station", the Yuan Dynasty's "Hoax Horse Feast", the Qing Dynasty's "Nairi" and today's "Naadam". The First Ordos International Nadam Festival is celebrated in Inner Mongolia, which marks "Naadam" recognized by the world. However, "Naadam", as a part of the traditional national culture, disappears gradually with the promotion of the internationalization and commercialization.