The Kazakh national tradition has been added to the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage, reports Tengri Life.
At the meeting of the UNESCO committee for the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage, held in Asunción, the capital of Paraguay, a historic decision was made. One of the oldest Kazakh rituals, betashar, has entered the representative list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity. This was announced by the State Counselor of Kazakhstan, Erlan Karin.
What is Betashar
Betashar is a traditional wedding ritual. It symbolizes the beginning of a new chapter in the life of the young bride as she becomes part of her husband's family. The ceremony takes place during the wedding celebration and is characterized by its unique atmosphere and sacred significance.
During the ceremony, the bride is introduced to the gathered relatives and guests. She is dressed in a special wedding outfit, and her face is concealed by a scarf or a special veil. The key moment of the ritual is the removal of the veil. This action is accompanied by blessings from the elder family members and traditional songs performed by a specially invited singer. He addresses the bride and her family, offering words of wisdom and wishes for happiness.
Interestingly, in May of this year, the President of Kazakhstan mentioned that there is ongoing work to include our national traditions "salburyn" and "betashar" in the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage.
"The younger generation must deeply understand their history and traditions and learn lessons from the past. In general, significant and meticulous work is being carried out in the country to preserve and enhance our historical and cultural heritage. Recently, for the first time in many years, the national list of intangible cultural heritage has been significantly expanded," emphasized Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.