Korisu (Көрісу)
Korisu custom’s been preserved only in the western regions of Kazakhstan. People visit their relatives and friends by greeting each other and saying “Happy past year” from March, 14 until Nauryz called Amal in the West. March, 14 used to be considered as the beginning of the New Year. Therefore, the tradition remains on the idea to meet and forgive all the people whom you haven’t seen for the past year.
Salem salu (Сәлем салу)
Salem Salu is a young Kelin’s bow showing the respect for the elders, her in-laws. The elders respond to this welcome bow by saying "Be Happy", "Give a birth to a boy", "Long Years of Life", "Bring luck to this house".
This ancient tradition’s been preserved only in the South and West regions.
Kelin makes a bow by placing her right hand on legs and slightly kneeling.
Also, having finished beshbarmak, dishes can be taken away after Kelin makes Salem Salu. That takes place only at the Western weddings.
Fishbarmak
The Kazakh tradition to cook lamb in a Kazakh manner and to make beshbarmak is widely known, whereas in Aktau a guest is treated to a special beshparmak made of fish and called "fishbarmak" by the locals.
Wedding Traditions
A bride’s parents don’t visit the main wedding. Having said goodbye to their daughter at kyz uzatu (қыз ұзату), they meet her in a few months.
If a family has brothers married in one year, one bride comes into the house through the door, while the other through the window. Luckily, that tradition takes place on the wedding day only.
We express the gratitude for the help we received from Kaldybai Malika, Dzhumagalieva Gaukhar and Soviet Aiganym.
