KAZAKH TRADITIONS
In the vast Central Asian steppes, Kazakh culture blooms, blending nomadic heritage with diverse influences. It's a lively symphony of hospitality, music, and equestrian sports, with flavors and crafts that echo tradition. Amidst this rich tapestry, Islam and nature are revered, embodying resilience and community spirit.
Qonaqasy ("Qonaq" - guest, "as" - food) — tradition to welcome a guest and make his stay as enjoyable as one can by providing food, lodge, entertainment.

Depending on the circumstances under which a guest had come from, he is either called "arnayy konak" - a specially invited guest, "kudayy konak" - a casual traveller, or "kydyrma konak" - an unexpected visitor.
Shashu (to scatter) — a ritual symbolizing prosperity, sweet life and abundance. Sweets, cookies, candies, and coins are thrown at guests, as if showering them with prosperity during big and important events. This could be matchmaking, a wedding, the birth of a child, or circumcision.

At the same time, if the shashu was not caught immediately, then it can be collected later and taken with you. Children love this tradition very much, which is why they mainly participate in it.

Shashu on a holiday
Bet Sipau (to touch face) is stroking the face after “bata” - blessing. Kazakhs are generous with good wishes, so words of blessing are often heard at the table or dastarkhan. They are usually pronounced by the elders in the family or the owners of the house.

During the farewell, guests fold their palms in the form of a bowl, which seems to be filled with grace, and then, at the end, they run their hands over their face. In this way, a person absorbs all the kind words spoken.

"Bata alu" (to be blessed)
The picture represents a child taking a blessing from an elder

Tusau Kesu (to cut ties) — a tradition to celebrate the first attempts of a child to walk. The legs of a child are tied with a string of white and black colors symbolizing the good and the bad in life.


Having cut the fetters, the very same person leads the child by both hands along a white path with several objects waiting for him at the end. Traditionally, these are an apple, a book, money and a dombra. The Kazakhs have always believed that the child’s future will be determined by the object he or she chooses.


Whether it is an apple, they will always be well-fed; if it is a book, the baby will have a bright and inquisitive mind; if the baby pick money, they will be rich; and having chosen the dombra, the child is expected to be creative and artistic.


The Tusaukeser
Shildehana — a celebration that is associated with childbirth.

Following ancient Kazakh tradition, infants are shielded from public view for the first 40 days of life. During this period, their hair and nails are left uncut as a protective measure, believed to strengthen their defenses against negative influences and dark forces
Betashar (bet" - face, "ashu" - to open) — the custom (often done at the wedding) to lift a veil from the face of a bride. Today it the mullah who is invited to perform an improvised song, in which he mentions relatives of the groom.

During his performance, a bride has to bow every time she hears a name. After the song, the mother of the groom lifts the veil.

Suinshi — a tradition to give present to someone who has brought good news.

The person who brings good news must say "Suinshi-Suinshi!". If the owner of the house is satisfied with the news, he can give a gift to him.