What is the Mongolian blue spot?

The Mongolian spot is a blue birthmark that appears on the back of every Mongolian infant. The Mongols have long worshipped the eternal blue sky and considered this scar as a heavenly seal for Mongols only.

But this birthmark is quite common not just among Mongolians, but also in other East, South, Southeast, North, and Central Asian ethnicities (particularly the peoples of Asia), Indigenous Oceanians (especially Micronesians and Polynesians), certain African groups, Amerindians, non-European Latin American people.

While the blue spot is prevalent in almost all Mongolians, other Asians, especially Koreans, Japanese, and Chinese persons, are seen with similar spots between 50 and 80 percent of their population.

So what is Mongolian Blue Spot?

Mongolian blue spots, formally known as slate gray nevi or congenital dermal melanocytosis, are a type of pigmented birthmark. The condition is caused by excess melanin, which is the pigment that gives skin its color. Mongolian spot is not harmful and usually disappears on its own over time. However, in some cases it can be permanent.

The Mongolian blue spots are usually:

Normal in skin texture
Spots on the back, buttocks, spine’s base, shoulders, or other regions of the body that are blue or gray.
2 to 8 centimeters wide or larger
Flat with irregular shape and unclear edges

The Mongolian blue spots sometimes can be mistaken for bruises. This can raise a question about possible child abuse. It is important to recognize that this blue spot is a birthmark, not bruises.

There are three distinct forms of blue spots, each one determined by the speed of regression.

Common type- these regress normally by early childhood
Extensive type- these regress very slowly
Persistent type- these may persist into adulthood

It is believed in some cultures that this blue spot is not disappearing, but it is absorbed into our blood and spreads through the body to become energy, courage, and mental energy.

Why are they called “Mongolian” blue spot?

German anthropologist Erwin Bälz coined the name Mongolian blue spots in 1883 while he was living in Japan. At the time, he discovered that these markings were most visible on his Mongolian patients, hence the name.

However, he was not the first individual to notice the blue spots. Hans Egede Saabye, a Danish priest and botanist, lived in Greenland from 1770 to 1778 among indigenous Inuit people and made the initial observation. His diaries were published in 1816 and translated into many European languages, including English. He observed that newborns from indigenous Inuit people had a distinctive mark on their skins known as a “blue spot.”

Spiritual meaning of the Mongolian Blue spots

The Mongolian Blue spots have many legends and stories surrounding them, with almost all of these considering the spot a good sign or symbolizing the blessing of higher powers.

Folks long believed that the Mongolian blue spots on newborn babies were created by a divine hand or from their great and glorious ancestors to give them happiness. The blue spot, according to some cultures, is proof of where the baby was hit or slapped by a spirit in order to enter the world. To others, it marks royalty.

Legends surrounding the Mongolian Blue-gray spots

The Mongolians have always believed that they were protected by powerful gods. In ancient times, the Great Khan of the Mongol Empire had a seal that said “By the will of the eternal sky”. This showed how much faith they put in their patron deities. Furthermore, they viewed blue birthmarks as a sign of heaven’s favor over future generations.

The spot on a baby’s back is explained in Korean mythology as a bruise formed when the shaman spirit Samshin Halmi slapped the baby’s back to hasten his or her birth from the mother’s womb.

In Kyrgyz tradition, the goddess Umai-Ene plucks the child for the tailbone to show that he is shielded from bad luck and will be granted a long life.

The Uighurs believe the blue spot is a mark from Tengri, the sky deity who blesses newborns. Many other Turkic people think that deities Tengri or Umai-ene aid the child in taking their first breath or slapping them on the buttocks. Siberian Yakuts attribute this role to the goddess Aiyysyt instead.

No matter how many legends are still there, the origin of the Mongolian blue spots has not yet been clarified. As a result, some excellent explanations for this occurrence have emerged. According to Adil Korzabayev of Kazakhstan, the “Mongolian spot” was formed when humans interbred with an alien species.

The person says that a professional dermatologist told him the story about an alien that causes Mongolian spots. The dermatologist said that the blue color of the skin is caused by melanin, but with a different chemical structure.

The color of melanin is black, as it has the ability to absorb ultraviolet rays and protect the epidermis. However, aliens have blue melanin. Adil Korzabayev believes that the Mongolian spot is proof that aliens once intermingled with humans.

Frequently asked questions

Is a Mongolian spot a birthmark?

Yes, Mongolian blue spots are birthmarks. They are caused by a substance similar to melanin, but with a completely different chemical structure that is responsible for the blue color of the skin.

How do you get rid of Mongolian spots on a baby?

Mongolian blue spots are noncancerous birthmarks that typically disappear before adolescence. So no treatment is necessary or recommended. Adults who still have Mongolian birthmarks on their bodies may be able to remove them through laser treatment.

Are Mongolian spots genetic?

Mongolian blue spots are still most common among Asian children and in those with darker skin. Some of these groups include the children of Polynesian, Indian, and African descent.

What do Mongolian spots mean spiritually?

Although there are various stories among cultures about Mongolian blue spots, the main consensus is that those who are born with them are blessed and protected by a god or goddess.

Why does my baby have a Mongolian blue spot?

Because your baby could be a lucky one that is blessed with good life from the higher powers. It is believed in many cultures that. Healthwise, Mongolian blue spots are noncancerous birthmarks that typically disappear before adolescence.

Can a Mongolian spot spread?

Yes, they can spread. But most Mongolian blue spots usually don’t take more than five percent of the skin.

What does a Mongolian birthmark look like?

Mongolian blue spots are bluish- to bluish-gray skin markings. They’re most common on the buttocks and back, but they can also show up on the shoulders. They usually appear at birth or shortly thereafter.

Why are Mongolian spots called Mongolian?

Traveler / Writer / Founder

Bayanbat.A

Hi, I’m Bayanbat. I grew up in Mongolia and have been living there my whole life. I create Correctmongolia web that helps people understand Mongolia better.

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