Kazakh Traditions
Shildehane – celebration of son‟s birth.
Since life and well-being of a steppe person had much to do with their endurance, dexterity, sharpness and strength, special attention was given to developing these qualities from a very young age. Thus many Kazakh traditions and customs are connected with birth, adolescence, youth and adulthood - basically a coming of age.
For example, during Shildehane, the wealthier people would invite not just the villagers from their community but of neighboring dwellings, organized feasts and competitions in singing and equestrian events.
The child was often named in honor of the most respected person in the village however sometimes the opposite was practiced. The name would be not significant, but rather common thus the strength and wisdom of the child would be a surprise and cause admiration.
Kazakh society is patriarchal; therefore men pass the name of the family. Traditionally, Kazakh man would only consider a grandchild if it came from his son. If the grandchild were from his daughter, it would be considered a nephew. According to the unwritten law of the steppe, daughters were to marry people from other clans and tribes, that is why children of a man‘s daughter were not of kin, or not immediate family. There used to be a saying: ―A nephew is not one of us‖.
It is only recently that the family structure had changed to reflect a more European model. A familiar to us concept of grandkids and great grand kids exists today.
Here are some important celebrations on the path towards adulthood and maturity:
Besike Salu – Placing of the newborn in to a crib with a wish for it to grow become strong and healthy.
Tusau Kesu – The baby‘s first steps. That day calls for the most respected elder of the village to come and cut the ties around baby‘s legs.
Atka Atygyzu – Is placement on a horse for the first time, with a whip and a spear, so the child would be an excellent rider and fighter.
Finally the custom of circumcision. Parents invite a respected mullah in to the yurt and he performs the ceremony on a 5 to 7 year old son. The Mullah receives rich and customary gifts from the parents who throw a feast – celebration and invite relatives and neighbors who also come bearing gifts.
Another old custom was (and still is) to give the firstborn son to husband‘s parents as their child for upbringing. The child would then consider grandfather as a father.
Information Provided By Peace Corps Kazakhstan
Since life and well-being of a steppe person had much to do with their endurance, dexterity, sharpness and strength, special attention was given to developing these qualities from a very young age. Thus many Kazakh traditions and customs are connected with birth, adolescence, youth and adulthood - basically a coming of age.
For example, during Shildehane, the wealthier people would invite not just the villagers from their community but of neighboring dwellings, organized feasts and competitions in singing and equestrian events.
The child was often named in honor of the most respected person in the village however sometimes the opposite was practiced. The name would be not significant, but rather common thus the strength and wisdom of the child would be a surprise and cause admiration.
Kazakh society is patriarchal; therefore men pass the name of the family. Traditionally, Kazakh man would only consider a grandchild if it came from his son. If the grandchild were from his daughter, it would be considered a nephew. According to the unwritten law of the steppe, daughters were to marry people from other clans and tribes, that is why children of a man‘s daughter were not of kin, or not immediate family. There used to be a saying: ―A nephew is not one of us‖.
It is only recently that the family structure had changed to reflect a more European model. A familiar to us concept of grandkids and great grand kids exists today.
Here are some important celebrations on the path towards adulthood and maturity:
Besike Salu – Placing of the newborn in to a crib with a wish for it to grow become strong and healthy.
Tusau Kesu – The baby‘s first steps. That day calls for the most respected elder of the village to come and cut the ties around baby‘s legs.
Atka Atygyzu – Is placement on a horse for the first time, with a whip and a spear, so the child would be an excellent rider and fighter.
Finally the custom of circumcision. Parents invite a respected mullah in to the yurt and he performs the ceremony on a 5 to 7 year old son. The Mullah receives rich and customary gifts from the parents who throw a feast – celebration and invite relatives and neighbors who also come bearing gifts.
Another old custom was (and still is) to give the firstborn son to husband‘s parents as their child for upbringing. The child would then consider grandfather as a father.
Information Provided By Peace Corps Kazakhstan
