Dong Ujimqin Horse Milk Wine

Dong Ujimqin Horse Milk Wine

　　Horse milk wine, also known as fermented horse milk, is called "qi ge" in Mongolian and is a favorite beverage among herders. It is a prized drink at various gatherings and celebrations of the Mongolian people. When the grass is lush and mares foal, they begin milking the mares and fermenting the milk to make "qi ge." When autumn arrives and the grass dries up, the foals are herded together and milking stops. Therefore, from midsummer to mid-autumn (around the 15th day of the eighth lunar month), this period is referred to as "qi ge nai lin cha ga" (the festive season of drinking horse milk wine). When this season arrives, every herding family ties up their foals and begins milking mares. Once the qi ge is brewed, people of all ages and genders enjoy drinking it. Herders who do not brew their own are welcomed to drink at others' homes.

At the Naadam Festival, herders often drink copious amounts of qi ge to celebrate a bountiful livestock harvest and good fortune. According to *The Travels of Marco Polo*, Kublai Khan once served qi ge and camel milk in golden bowls to guests at royal banquets.