What is the meaning of "Aobao" in "Aobaohui"?

The "Aobao" in the "Aobaohui" refers to the stone pile. It was originally a sign of the road and land boundary, just like our current road sign. At the junction of many cities and counties, it actually plays the role of a landmark. Later, it gradually evolved into a symbol of offering sacrifices to mountain gods, road gods, praying for a bumper harvest and family peace.

"Aobao" can be seen everywhere in Mongolia. Generally speaking, it is made of stones or mud. There is one, and there is a big one in the middle. There are six small ones on the left and right. Most of them are built on hilltops or highlands, tens of feet in size. There are wickers on the top, hada and ribbons, and you can see them from a distance.

"Aobao" symbolizes heaven and god in the eyes of Mongolians, and is handed down from the belief of grassland nomads in immortality. In the past, they were all tribal units, led by tribal leaders and presided over by shamans (wizards) in the tribe. Now the activities of offering sacrifices to Aobao are generally held in May of the lunar calendar.

In the Qing Dynasty, with the spread and prevalence of Lamaism in Mongolia, since the Qing Dynasty, there has been a grand "Sacrifice to Aobao" conference with the league and flag as the unit every year. In the middle of May of the lunar calendar, lamas in temples will be invited to chant Buddhist scriptures. Due to different scales, the festival lasts for one to three days, and the surrounding pastoral areas are dressed in national costumes as festivals, and men, women and children will participate.

Extended data:

Aobao construction method:

In the eyes of herders, Aobao symbolizes the existence of God and has a strong religious color. Aobao is the establishment and sacrifice, which was relatively simple in ancient times. The shaman announced that the so-called village protector had chosen a mountain or hill as his position. People have built mounds of mud or stones in this place and held many sacrificial ceremonies, even though Aobao has been built.

This is a kind of land temple. At some time every year, nearby residents will come here to worship the local gods and pray for the development of livestock and the prosperity of the people. After the ceremony, people sat together, drank koumiss, ate mutton and milk, and held three cultural and sports activities, including horse racing, archery and wrestling.

When offering sacrifices to Aobao, horse races are held first, then offerings are placed, and lamas recite scriptures for sacrifice. People attending the sacrifice added stones to Aobao. After the activity, we will have wrestling, singing, dancing and other cultural activities. Aobao, located at the top of grassland, is a conical altar made of stone or clods, with colorful cloth or paper hanging on it.

Most places where Aobao is built choose bright, majestic and lush mountains and hills. Aobao has a name, and most names are based on the names of mountains or places. Aobao is mostly located on hills or beside water springs, and it is mostly made of stones. It is generally round and surrounded by wicker circles at the top. In the eyes of Mongols, Aobao symbolizes the mountain god. When going out for a long trip, he will dismount to worship Aobao, pray for peace and pick up stones.

Baidu Encyclopedia-Aobao