"Shashu" holds a special place among Kazakh customs. It's a tradition of sharing good news with family, friends, and others. Its meaning is well captured by the folk saying: "Joy shared is greater."
Shashu is celebrated to mark happy events and important changes in a family's life. When a child is born, a bride arrives, a newlywed couple starts a new family, or another joyful event occurs, older women and respected relatives scatter sweets and treats and offer good wishes.
Shashu typically involves candies, kurt, small sweets, and sometimes coins. After scattering them, those present, especially children, try to collect the treats. It is believed that in this way, a person shares in the joy of the hosts of the celebration and, as it were, receives a share of their happiness. While collecting the sweets, people may say, "Zhugysty bolsyn"—a wish for the good event to be repeated in their own lives.
Shashu is especially common during the reception of a bride. When a young woman first enters the home of a new family, older women shower her with sweets and wish her, "May her step be happy!" and "May her family be strong, and her shanyrak be tall!" This is how the young woman is welcomed into her new home and wishes prosperity to her future family.
This tradition continues today. Shashu can be celebrated on the occasion of the purchase of a new home or car, a wedding, the birth of a child, the return of a loved one, or another significant event. Good wishes are always expressed. New residents are wished happiness and prosperity in the home, newlyweds a strong family, and children health and well-being.
Despite changes in lifestyle, the main meaning of shashu remains the same. It is not simply a scattering of sweets, but a symbolic invitation to others to share in the family's happiness.
The ability to rejoice in another person's success as if it were one's own is considered one of the hallmarks of Kazakh culture. Therefore, "shashu" remains a tradition today, expressing generosity, openness, and sincere wishes for the best for others.