Anthropological Research on the Perception of Nature among the Mongols in Xinjiang

在新疆的蒙古族牧区，有许多驯养的动物被指定为不出售或屠宰。他们被称为赛特马。牧民们对如何治疗赛特的理解各有不同，但他们都认为赛特是一件好事。塞特的习俗与ksig联系在一起，kesig指的是存在于包括动植物在内的一切事物中的财富。克西格是牧民感知自然的基础，也是幸福的前提。相信如果执行seter，kesig就会聚集。因此，Siter的根本目的是积累财富和追求幸福，因为它们不是单靠人力能达到的。

In the Mongolian pastoral area of Xinjiang, there are many domesticated animals designated not for sale or slaughter. They are called seter mal. The herders' interpretation about how to treat seter mal various, but they all agree that seter is a good thing. The custom of seter is associated with kesig which refers to fortune that exists in everything including animals and plants. Kesig is the basis of the herders' perception of nature ; it is also a prerequisite for happiness. It is believed that if seter is performed, kesig will gather. The fundamental purpose of seter is therefore to collect fortunes and pursue happiness, for they cannot be attained by human power alone.