Traditional Ideas of the Telengit-Altai People About Nature and Their Reflection in the Family Ritual Sang

This article examines traditional Altai beliefs about nature as expressed through the sang rite, which is performed at the family level in Altai-Telengit culture. The family sang is a rite of gratitude intended to establish a connection between the family and the spirits of the masters of the local area, mountains, healing springs, and Altai itself, as well as to ensure the well-being and prosperity of the family. During the rite, the family offers food and drinks, sprinkling them around the house. The article is based on the author’s fieldwork conducted in Kokorya village, Kosh-Agach district, in February 2025. The study employed ethnographic methods, including interviews, participant observation, video, and photography. The research found that the family sang rite is performed not only as part of the Chagaa-Bayram celebration but also throughout the year. For example, the rite is often conducted at home in preparation for significant family events, and some families perform it monthly. The study also revealed that the sang rite reflects the worldview of the local population, in which nature and spirits play a central role. Through the good wishes expressed during the rite, one can gain a deeper understanding of the Altai Telengits’ attitude toward the cult of nature and the significance of natural forces in their livelihood. For instance, during sang, wishes are often made for the greatness and wealth of Altai as the sacred homeland of the Altai people, the well-being of the family and the Altai people as a whole, the fertility of the land, and the safe grazing of cattle, which is fundamental to the nomadic way of life. Well-wishes are also addressed to sacred mountains, healing springs, terrain, and rivers, asking for protection and well-being. Thus, the sang ritual serves not only as a means of communicating with host spirits but also as a way of expressing gratitude and petition to natural forces. The study of the sang rite expands our knowledge of the traditional culture of the Altai people, allowing for a better understanding of their worldview, beliefs, and family values. Additionally, this research can serve as a basis for preserving and reviving traditional rites and customs in modern society, while also contributing to the strengthening of interethnic relations and intercultural dialogue.