World Monitor Magazine #1 WM march 2018 (1) | Page 28

CULTURE
The people of one village or settlement
have always been one family. If anyone
experienced trouble or need, neighbors
or relatives would always help (one
nation – one world). The rule for any
Kazakh is to never leave relatives
or fellowmen alone, keep honor and
dignity of one’s family and clan.
Many customs lost their relevance in
the modern world due to the change
in rhythm and style of living, under the
influence of historic circumstances.
Women became emancipated and so
did not always devote themselves to
family and children, but wanted to
seek career heights just as equally
as men. However, some customs and
traditions have been revived from
oblivion, like ones related to birth,
children and weddings. It has become
fashionable to hold traditional Kazakh
26
world monitor
weddings in national clothes for
grooms and, in accordance with the
main stages of a traditional wedding
ceremony. Wedding clothes have
changed ever since, nevertheless, the
modern dress now features Kazakh
ornaments and some elements of
the older style. The bride’s head
is again covered with a saukele
(hairwear). National crafts, such as
felting, traditional jewellry, leather
manufacturing, making musical
instruments, and others are being
restored. All this demonstrates a lively
interest of the younger generation in
its nation’s history.
Based on www.bilu.kz materials
The drawings are provided by
A. Kasteyev School of Art & Design, Almaty
www.kasteyev.kz