Betashar, traditional wedding ritual
Inscribed in 2024 (19.COM) on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
© National Committee for the Safegurading of Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 2019 In Kazakhstan, the Betashar ritual is the ceremony of revealing the bride’s face during a wedding ceremony. It originated in medieval times, when the groom rarely saw his future bride before the wedding. At the beginning of the ceremony, the bride’s mother dresses her in the traditional Kazakh headdress and a veil. She is escorted into the hall, where the guests await her appearance. The ‘akyn’ (the singer and leader of ceremony) starts the bridal song, praising the groom’s family and ancestors. As a sign of respect and greeting, the bride and her sisters-in-law bow to each person as they are mentioned. The ‘akyn’ then lifts the bride’s veil to reveal her face to the guests. The groom’s mother welcomes the bride as a new family member, and the groom takes her by the hand. Relatives then shower the newlyweds with sweets and coins. The social norms and knowledge related to betashar are transmitted from grandmothers to grandchildren. Akyns and the craftspeople who create the traditional wedding attire and accessories transmit their knowledge through apprenticeships. The ritual unites new family members and neighbours. It also allows for the exchange of traditional knowledge, such as folk songs, while enhancing mutual understanding and dialogue.
