Nauryz is one of the most ancient and significant holidays, symbolizing the renewal of nature, the onset of spring and the beginning of the new year. This day represents unity, kindness, well-being and harmony, and is also a time when people forgive each other’s wrongs, do good deeds and wish each other happiness. Traditionally, people prepare for Nauryz in advance: they put their homes in order, prepare festive treats, and visit relatives and friends.
On the eve of the celebration of Nauryz-Mayrama, the folklore and ethnographic festival “Nauryz – kunildi zhane dasturdin zharkyn merekesi” took place within the walls of the museum. Students of the Sapar Ergaliev secondary School and cultural workers were invited to the event. The guests were treated to traditional dishes – Nauryz kozhe and baursaks, told about the history and significance of the holiday, and recalled the customs of the Kazakh people.
One of them was the “Besikke salu” ceremony. “Besikke salu” is an important Kazakh ritual associated with the birth of a child. It is held in honor of the first laying of the baby in the cradle, which is considered the “golden nest” for the baby. Guests are invited to this solemn event, and a festive dastarkhan is served. The honorable right to put a child in a “Besik” is given to a respected and wise woman – a grandmother or an experienced mother. As a sign of gratitude, she receives a valuable gift, and the rest of the women and girls are given handkerchiefs and pieces of cloth, symbolizing the wish that children’s laughter would soon be heard in their families.
The holiday ended with fun games, songs, dances and the main dish of the day – Nauryz-kozhe.
