Traditions and customs related to marriage
One of the most distinctive Kazakh marriage traditions is the prohibition on marriage between relatives up to the seventh generation. Such a taboo helps to prevent blood mixing and, as a result, benefits future offspring's health. The following is the traditional sequence of marriage ceremonies and rituals. Kudalyk attends every wedding ceremony in Kazakh society (matchmaking). Matchmakers visit the bride's home before the wedding. Their mission is to reach an agreement on a girl's marriage with her closest relatives. During the courtship, the father of the bride receives gifts from the guests as a deposit.
If the negotiations are successful, the father will present the main matchmaker with a coat. This custom is known as "Shege Sapa." The preparation of "kuyruk bauyr," a delectable dish made from liver and broad tail fat, also attests to the successful conclusion of courtship. The bride's sendoff, Kyz uzatu, is the next stage of the ceremony. Before the Kyz uzatu matchmakers return to the bride's house in the evening. The number of visitors should be kept to a minimum (5-7). The bride is taken to the groom's house early in the morning by matchmakers. Kelin tusru is the solemn ceremony of meeting the bride at the groom's home. The main component of keln tsru is a traditional performance of Betashar, a song of instructions and wishes.
When the Kazakhs lived a nomadic lifestyle, the newlyweds' dwelling (yurt) was located behind the house of the groom's parents. The bride was supposed to cross the first threshold of the yurt with the right foot, according to tradition. During the wedding ceremony, the couple must also drink a bowl of water with dissolved sugar and salt together. This ritual is thought to be a guarantee of a happy family life.
