Greeting Day is one of the ancient Kazakh traditions, rooted in mutual respect and goodwill. On this day, people greet each other and say the wish: "Bir zhasynmen!" We spoke with Bibigul Zhaksybaykyzy, director of the "Sholpy" girls' club at the "Geolog" cultural center, about the educational significance of this tradition and the events held in honor of Greeting Day.
– How would you explain the significance and special value of Korisu for our people?
– Greeting Day can be considered the beginning of the celebration of Nauryz, the main spring holiday symbolizing the renewal of life. This day is celebrated on March 14 and is a time when people meet after a long winter, check in on each other's health, and exchange good wishes. For Kazakhs, it was a great joy to survive the winter safely and enter the new year together.
Greeting Day is more than just the traditional greeting with a handshake and a hug. This is an opportunity to forget grievances, forgive misunderstandings, and begin a new chapter with pure intentions. Therefore, its main value lies in strengthening unity, family ties, and reviving the moral and spiritual values ​​of society.
– What does the wish "Bir zhasynmen!" mean?
– This wish is a beautiful reflection of the traditional Kazakh worldview, which places special importance on time and human life. At first glance, this phrase may seem like a simple greeting, signifying that a person has added another year to their age. However, its meaning is much deeper: it expresses recognition of the continuous flow of life, a person's spiritual and personal growth.
In Kazakh tradition, age is perceived as more than just a number. It is, above all, the sum of life's experiences, what one has seen and experienced, and the lessons one has learned along the way. Therefore, the wish "Bir zhasynmen!" signifies the joy of having successfully lived another year and ascended to a new stage in their life's journey. These words also express gratitude for the past and good wishes for the future.
Deeper, this expression also reflects the optimistic outlook of Kazakh society: each passing year is perceived as a step toward maturity, wisdom, and spiritual development.
– How do you assess the educational potential of this tradition?
– The Greeting Tradition is a unique school of national education. It serves as a cultural institution that strengthens relationships between people in society and preserves spiritual continuity between generations. Young people specifically visit their elders, greet them, and shake hands, while the elders, in turn, offer blessings and sincere good wishes. During such moments, life experiences, wise advice, and edifying words are shared, allowing traditional values ​​and worldviews to be naturally transmitted to the younger generation.
First and foremost, the educational value of this tradition lies in fostering respect and politeness. Young people learn to respect their elders, greet them, and observe norms of respectful behavior, while the older generation, in turn, shows care and kindness to the younger generation. This strengthens mutual understanding and spiritual closeness within society. In this sense, Körisu acts as a unique cultural mechanism regulating social and moral relations between people.
Furthermore, this tradition reflects the culture of forgiveness and harmony characteristic of Kazakh society. On Greeting Day, people greet each other, forget past grievances, and strive to begin the new year with pure thoughts. In this regard, the holiday is an important value that promotes unity and harmony in society.
Therefore, the importance of such edifying traditions does not diminish; on the contrary, it becomes even more relevant. In the age of globalization, one way to preserve national identity and spiritual values ​​is to revive such viable traditions and to foster awareness of their educational potential among the younger generation.
– What meaningful events are planned for Greeting Day this year?
This year, a number of events aimed at promoting national values ​​are planned. These include ceremonies to receive blessings from aksakals and grandmothers, national games, folk craft exhibitions, educational meetings, and charity events.
Also, at the initiative of the Geolog Cultural Center, a festive event called "Amal Keldi - Zhyl Keldi" will be held. It will be attended by 200 grandmothers, 200 daughters-in-law, and 200 girls. A special feature of this year's celebration will be the participation of girls in a festive procession. Participants will march in a column, singing the song "Kamazhai" in chorus, after which they will greet their elders in the traditional "Korisu" (meaning "Korisu"). Two hundred daughters-in-law will perform the traditional bow, or salem salu, and then the celebration will continue with a concert program.
The main goal of the event is to strengthen national identity as part of the Nauryznam celebrations. – Bibigul Zhaksybaykyzy, what wishes would you like to convey to our readers?
– Happy Welcoming Day to everyone! I wish every home well-being, prosperity, and happiness. On the eve of the great holiday of Nauryz, may our hearts be filled with kindness, and may all grievances be left in the past. I want to say to the youth: respecting and preserving traditions is not a return to the past, but a strengthening of the future. Only a people with deep roots can achieve great heights. May Welcoming Day bring each of us new hope and renewed strength! Happy New Year!