Explore One-of-a-Kind Wedding Customs in Kazakhstan
Life in the Steppes: Kazakh Wedding Traditions
Welcome to the amazing world of Kazakh wedding traditions! In this land of boundless steppes, marriage isn't just a single event, but a collection of customs passed down for centuries. Each ritual holds meaning, connecting the present with the rich history of Kazakh culture.
The Power of 'Adat'
The Kazakhs follow 'adat,' a set of customs and social norms that guide their lives, including marriage practices. This ancient law regulates everything from the arrangement of marriages to ceremonies, and even post-wedding responsibilities.
Seeking Matches
In the past, Kazakhs didn't wait for their children to grow up. Matchmaking sometimes began before the children were even born! If birth happened to bring both a son and a daughter, they might pledge their children's union. For arrangements made after the children's birth, there were 'bel kuda' and 'besik kuda' — advanced and infant matchmakers.
Today, matchmaking isn't such a thrilling mystery anymore. Instead, it's a formality involving the groom, his father, and a small group of close relatives meeting with the bride's family.
Gifts Galore
The groom's representatives bring a 'korzhyn,' a large ceremonial bag filled with gifts like fabrics, jewelry, and souvenirs. This symbolizes goodwill between the families. Additional gifts, called 'kiit,' are also given to the bride's parents, with the most valuable ones presented to them personally.
Syrga Salu: The Earring Ceremony
Another beautiful custom, 'syrga salu,' can be part of the matchmaking process or a standalone event. During this ritual, the groom's mother places earrings on the bride, officially welcoming her into the family.
The Bitter-Sweet Departure
The bride's departure, or 'kyz uzatu,' is a deeply emotional Kazakh wedding tradition. It marks the moment when the bride leaves her family to join her husband's household. Her parents host a farewell party, where close friends and relatives gather to bid her an affectionate goodbye. The groom's side typically sends representatives to offer their blessings.
This event is similar to a wedding but focuses on closing a chapter filled with love and memories. A crucial moment within this tradition is the 'ak zhol' ceremony, where a white fabric path is laid out, symbolizing a smooth and joyous married life. The groom waits at the end of the path to welcome his bride into his family.
The Betashar Song
The main wedding celebration, or 'uilenu toi,' takes place at the groom's house. Guests arrive before the bride and groom, and the ceremony begins with a traditional song, 'zhar-zhar.' During the wedding, the bride's face is covered with a white shawl until the 'betashar' ceremony.
In 'betashar,' a bard (akyn) plays the dombra and sings praises of the groom's family. As the akyn names each relative, the bride bows respectfully, signifying her acceptance of her new family. This ritual is called 'salem salu.' A display of gratitude, known as 'korimdik,' follows, where the bride receives money from the groom's relatives.
A New Life Begins
After the wedding, the bride visits her husband's relatives, bringing gifts as a mark of respect. She is also expected to show reverence to her husband's older relatives by not addressing them by name. Instead, she adopts affectionate yet respectful nicknames for them — a test of her intelligence, tact, and quick thinking.
For example, a cherished sister might be called 'yerkezhan,' meaning pampered, while a husband's youngest brother could be called 'kenzhe,' meaning youngest. This practice is still present in many regions, demonstrating wit, respect, and a sense of humor.
Keepers of a Fading Heritage
These customs and traditions help preserve Kazakh cultural heritage by emphasizing values such as family unity and respect for elders. They also reflect the unique blend of Islamic influences and Turkic nomadic heritage in Kazakh culture. Although practices such as bride kidnapping are now stigmatized, customs like 'betashar' and 'kelin chai' continue to play a significant role in Kazakh identity and social fabric around marriage.
- In infancy, Kazakh matchmakers, known as 'bel kuda' or 'besik kuda', might already be arranging marriages for children before they were even born.
- The lifestyle of Kazakhs is deeply rooted in 'adat', a set of customs and social norms, which include customs like the 'syrga salu' earring ceremony and the 'kelin chai' farewell party before the wedding.
- As a new chapter begins in a Kazakh home-and-garden, a newlywed wife respectfully adopts affectionate nicknames for her husband's relatives during the 'salem salu' ritual, showcasing her intelligence, tact, and sense of humor.
