Traditional Kazakh matchmaking used not only spoken agreements but also a rich language of symbolic gifts.

One such custom was shege shapan.

Once the girl's family accepted a marriage proposal, the special representative of the groom's family was presented with a new ceremonial shapan, a traditional robe.

The gift served as a clear sign that the negotiations had been successful and that the two families had agreed to proceed with the marriage.

When the representative returned wearing the new robe, the groom's relatives immediately understood the message. He was welcomed with celebration and shashu – sweets or coins scattered in honor of good news.

The robe therefore acted as a symbolic announcement of the agreement between the families.

The original ritual is rarely practiced in exactly the same form today, although presenting a shapan as a mark of honor remains common at weddings, family celebrations and other important occasions.