Elements
-
Manage No, Sortation, Country, Writer ,Date, Copyright Manage No EE00001108 Country Kazakhstan ICH Domain Performing Arts Social practices, rituals, festive events Traditional craft skills Address As a key element of Kazakh traditional wedding ceremony Betashar is commonly widespread throughout the territory of Kazakhstan and actively practiced by Kazakh diasporas living abroad. Being essential part of Turkic and Central Asian historic legacy, the element encounter vast geographic representation and ethnographic variety of its forms.Year of Designation 2013
| Description | Beautiful rite of 'Betashar' (kaz. 'open face') symbolizes inclusion of a bride into a groom’s family clan. First bride’s mother arranges Kazakh traditional headwear “Saukele” on her daughter’s head covering her face with veil called “jelek”. The groom’s eldest sisters-in-law (“jenge”) bring the bride under their arms to the guests. Then the bride puts her feet on a white carpet with an image of Tengrian calendar embodying the Universe or lamb fleece – the symbols of fertility. Masters of improvised music poetry Akyns start the ritual by singing a bridal song “Betashar jyr” to the accompaniment of Dombyra. The song praises groom’s family ancestors, parents and all relatives in dedicated couplets. In return the bride with her sisters-in-law bow to every relative and family listed, thus giving her respect and greeting – “Salem beru”. The relatives, whom the bride has just bowed, reward Akyn with money for his performance. After introducing all the relatives and expressing good wishes, Akyn lifts the bride’s veil with the neck of his Dombyra, thus revelaing the bride’s face to everybody. Mother-in-law (“Ene”) takes off the veil, kisses and welcomes new member of the family. Then the groom takes the bride by the hand showing her to all guests. At this moment elder relatives shower the newlyweds with sweets and coins (“Shashu” ritual), wishing them happiness and abundances. In some regions Betashar includes: bride’s stepping over the fire, fumigation of bride with harmala (“adiraspan”) smoke and pouring oil on fire to endear the Spirit of fire. |
|---|---|
| Social and cultural significance | The custom of 'Betashar' now practiced during weddings. It is a mandatory element of the wedding ceremony and a symbol of continuity, respect for traditional values of Kazakh society. |
| Transmission method | Knowledge and skills related to Betashar bridal ceremony have generally been transmitted in family circles via observation and participation in wedding celebrations. Grandparents teach grandchildren history of their family clan and lives of their ancestors. Senior women of the family teach junior girls behaviorial ethics and sacral wisdom related to bridal ceremony. Traditional 'Usta-shakirt' (master-apprentice) educational system has been widely practiced among communities of Akyns, craftsmen and designers of traditional wedding costumes, jewelry and Dombyra manufacturers. Akyn apprentices learn the art of music and recitative improvisation of Betashar jyr by observing grand masters performing on weddings. Besides, the nonformal modes of transmission, different aspects of Betashar bridal ceremony can be learned in the framework of formal education. Children aspiring to become Akyns may apply to Kazakhstani music colleges and art universities. School curricula incorporates Betashar wedding ceremony in subjects like Kazakh language and literature, History of Kazakhstan, Music and Applied Arts. General transmission of the element among all population of Kazakhstan in its multiethnic variety happens by participation in weddings and public celebrations of Nauryz, Family Day, Thanksgiving Day. Contests like 'Mereyli otbasy' (happy family), 'Men qazaqpyn' contest of Akyns, 'Sheber' contests of craftsmen, Kazakhstan Fashion Week provide media coverage and popularization of the element nationwide. |
| Community | In general, the whole population of Kazakhstan, as the participants of wedding ceremonies, represent practicing community of the element. More specific roles in safeguarding and sustaining the element are given to: - Elder generation of Kazakh people keeping and passing on the bridal traditions; - Akyns - masters of improvised poetry and Dombyra play, performing Betashar ritual; - Tailors and craftsmen creating traditional wedding costumes, Kazakh bridal headwear "Saukele", jewellery and accessories; - Craftsmen of Dombyra - traditional Kazakh music instrument; - Researchers of traditional Kazakh wedding ceremonies. |
Keyword
Information source
Kazakhstan National Committee for Intangible Cultural Heritage
Materials related to
Photos
-
PI00001903
Betashar – Kazakh wedding
Beautiful rite of 'Betashar' (kaz. 'open face') symbolizes inclusion of a bride into a groom’s family clan. First bride’s mother arranges Kazakh traditional headwear “Saukele” on her daughter’s head covering her face with veil called “jelek”. The groom’s eldest sisters-in-law (“jenge”) bring the bride under their arms to the guests. Then the bride puts her feet on a white carpet with an image of Tengrian calendar embodying the Universe or lamb fleece – the symbols of fertility. Masters of improvised music poetry Akyns start the ritual by singing a bridal song “Betashar jyr” to the accompaniment of Dombyra. The song praises groom’s family ancestors, parents and all relatives in dedicated couplets. In return the bride with her sisters-in-law bow to every relative and family listed, thus giving her respect and greeting – “Salem beru”. The relatives, whom the bride has just bowed, reward Akyn with money for his performance. After introducing all the relatives and expressing good wishes, Akyn lifts the bride’s veil with the neck of his Dombyra, thus revelaing the bride’s face to everybody. Mother-in-law (“Ene”) takes off the veil, kisses and welcomes new member of the family. Then the groom takes the bride by the hand showing her to all guests. At this moment elder relatives shower the newlyweds with sweets and coins (“Shashu” ritual), wishing them happiness and abundances. In some regions Betashar includes: bride’s stepping over the fire, fumigation of bride with harmala (“adiraspan”) smoke and pouring oil on fire to endear the Spirit of fire.
Kazakhstan -
PI00001904
Betashar – Kazakh wedding
Beautiful rite of 'Betashar' (kaz. 'open face') symbolizes inclusion of a bride into a groom’s family clan. First bride’s mother arranges Kazakh traditional headwear “Saukele” on her daughter’s head covering her face with veil called “jelek”. The groom’s eldest sisters-in-law (“jenge”) bring the bride under their arms to the guests. Then the bride puts her feet on a white carpet with an image of Tengrian calendar embodying the Universe or lamb fleece – the symbols of fertility. Masters of improvised music poetry Akyns start the ritual by singing a bridal song “Betashar jyr” to the accompaniment of Dombyra. The song praises groom’s family ancestors, parents and all relatives in dedicated couplets. In return the bride with her sisters-in-law bow to every relative and family listed, thus giving her respect and greeting – “Salem beru”. The relatives, whom the bride has just bowed, reward Akyn with money for his performance. After introducing all the relatives and expressing good wishes, Akyn lifts the bride’s veil with the neck of his Dombyra, thus revelaing the bride’s face to everybody. Mother-in-law (“Ene”) takes off the veil, kisses and welcomes new member of the family. Then the groom takes the bride by the hand showing her to all guests. At this moment elder relatives shower the newlyweds with sweets and coins (“Shashu” ritual), wishing them happiness and abundances. In some regions Betashar includes: bride’s stepping over the fire, fumigation of bride with harmala (“adiraspan”) smoke and pouring oil on fire to endear the Spirit of fire.
Kazakhstan -
PI00001855
Betashar – Kazakh wedding
Beautiful rite of 'Betashar' (kaz. 'open face') symbolizes inclusion of a bride into a groom’s family clan. First bride’s mother arranges Kazakh traditional headwear “Saukele” on her daughter’s head covering her face with veil called “jelek”. The groom’s eldest sisters-in-law (“jenge”) bring the bride under their arms to the guests. Then the bride puts her feet on a white carpet with an image of Tengrian calendar embodying the Universe or lamb fleece – the symbols of fertility. Masters of improvised music poetry Akyns start the ritual by singing a bridal song “Betashar jyr” to the accompaniment of Dombyra. The song praises groom’s family ancestors, parents and all relatives in dedicated couplets. In return the bride with her sisters-in-law bow to every relative and family listed, thus giving her respect and greeting – “Salem beru”. The relatives, whom the bride has just bowed, reward Akyn with money for his performance. After introducing all the relatives and expressing good wishes, Akyn lifts the bride’s veil with the neck of his Dombyra, thus revelaing the bride’s face to everybody. Mother-in-law (“Ene”) takes off the veil, kisses and welcomes new member of the family. Then the groom takes the bride by the hand showing her to all guests. At this moment elder relatives shower the newlyweds with sweets and coins (“Shashu” ritual), wishing them happiness and abundances. In some regions Betashar includes: bride’s stepping over the fire, fumigation of bride with harmala (“adiraspan”) smoke and pouring oil on fire to endear the Spirit of fire.
Kazakhstan