CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS

"Asar" is an ancient Kazakh tradition based on voluntary and unpaid assistance to an individual or family struggling to cope with a major task on their own. Village residents, relatives, and neighbors would gather together to jointly accomplish the necessary work.

"Ashamaiga mingizu" is an ancient Kazakh rite during which a child is mounted on a horse for the first time. This day symbolizes the end of early childhood and the beginning of a new stage in life, one marked by independence, responsibility, and an immersion in traditional steppe culture.

"Basire" is an ancient Kazakh tradition according to which a child was given a personal animal. Most often, this was a foal or a baby camel, born around the same time as the baby. It was called "bәsіre tai" or simply "bәsіre" and was considered the beginning of the child's future prosperity.

"Besikke salu" is an ancient Kazakh ritual associated with the birth of a child. It is performed at the moment when the baby is first placed in the "besik" - a traditional Kazakh rocking cradle. People say that the "besik" is the baby's golden nest, and therefore this ritual occupies a special place among family celebrations.

"Yerulik" is an ancient Kazakh tradition associated with a family's move to a new place. When new settlers arrived in a village, neighbors would invite them over, set the table, and hold a small celebration. This was a way to welcome the new residents, help them settle in quickly, and let them know they were now part of the local community.

The ritual of “kyrkynan shygaru”, which is carried out when a baby reaches 40 days of age, is considered sacred and one of the most important in Kazakh culture.

Sundet Toy is one of the most significant rites in the life of every Kazakh boy, symbolizing his entry into the Muslim world and the transition to a new stage of growing up.

"Tokymkagar" is an ancient Kazakh custom commemorating a young man's first independent trip outside his home. On this occasion, the family would throw a festive feast and invite relatives and neighbors to see the young man off, offer him a blessing, and wish him a safe return.

One of the most beautiful and profound traditions of the Kazakh people, reflecting the essence of the national character, is hospitality. For Kazakhs, welcoming a guest is not simply a gesture of politeness, but a sacred duty, the fulfillment of which demonstrates the host's honor and generosity. Guests have always occupied a special place in a Kazakh home—they were greeted with an open heart, seated in a place of honor, and treated to the finest dishes, surrounded by warmth, care, and respect.

Tusau kesu (translated from Kazakh - cutting the bonds) is an ancient Kazakh custom dedicated to the first steps of a child. It is believed that after this ritual, the baby will begin to walk confidently, will feel a strong support under his feet, and will also be protected from failures and illnesses.

Wedding traditions in Kazakhstan are a whole system of rituals, starting with matchmaking and continuing even after the first wedding night. These traditions include many unwritten rules and customs and have always been considered one of the most important events in the life of every Kazakh.