Spring bird
Spring is a symbol of rejoicing, of the renaissance of nature, of love and hope. An epoch and a way of life have changed, but Nauryz is still our most significant holiday.
The literal meaning of the word Nauryz is "new day". The spring holiday of the equinox and the renovation of nature was celebrated openly and gladly.
The folk calendar, elaborated yet by Omar Khayyam, names the month from March 22 to April 21 with affectionate name Kokek, or "spring bird".
As a holiday of forgiveness and compassion, Nauryz calls on people to love and forgive sins and offences. Helping the weak and the poor is especially valuable on this holiday. On Nauryz the wars between warring parties are finished.
The tradition is alive: before coming of Nauryz to put their houses, flats and household in order, to plant trees and flowers. If Nauryz comes to a clean house of a good master, failures and illnesses will bypass him.
Generous celebrating of Nauryz will bring prosperity and success to the house for the whole year. The ceremonial dish of the holiday - nauriz kozhe of 7 ingredients, (including cereals and ayran), symbolizes joy and good luck, wisdom and health, prosperity, progress, growth. And when you try nauryz-kozhe on holiday, you will avoid separation from your loved ones in the new year.
«Көктемнің келуімен!» (Happy Spring Birth) is the way people of all ethnic groups in Kazakhstan congratulate each other on the holiday in the streets, parks and squares. Akyns compete in aytys, with the winner being the one who best celebrates the good.
Thousands of people watch the akyns' tournaments and contests in national sports like kazaksha kures, toguz kumalak, horse races (kyz-kuyu and bayga). At the height of merrymaking, young people gather at the swings of the Altybakan. Everyone sings songs, dances, has fun and plays national games.
Performances and theatrical skits attract people and teach them to respect their national culture and native land, to strive to preserve peace and mutual understanding between the peoples of Kazakhstan.
Author: Lyazzat seralina
Illustrator: @musa.sketch