Vocabulary:

wrestling – борьба

to pray – молить (ся)

to grasp – схватывать

be eager to – гореть желанием

release – освобождать, отпускать

• Answer the questions:

1. Whose honour would the wrestlers defend?

2. Where did wrestling take place?

3. How did Kazhymukan meet Baluan Sholak?

4. By whom were the wrestlers sponsored in early times and by whom are they sponsored nowadays?

5. What are the rules of wrestling?

• Fill in the gaps:

1. One of the ancient traditions of __ is wrestling.

2. We are proud of our __ wrestlers, like Baluan Sholak and Kazhymukan.

3. During wrestling if they were not able __, they might __ and __ in an effort__ more energy.

4. The rules of wrestling included __ or torso and lifting opponents overhead.

5. In ancient times old men would __ to have a chat, and talked about information from "Uzun kulak" (long ears).

• Finish the sentences:

1. Among the Kazakhs, wrestlers ….

2. In our childhood we saw ….

3. Nowadays wrestlers are selected ….

4. According to the rules ….

5. This was because ….

KYZ KUU (CATCH UP WITH A GIRL)

"Kyz kuu" is another game typical of Kazakh tradition which is still to be found. People would gather at a race course, and young ladies and zhigits would have their racehorses prepared. Kyz kuu was usually held in conjunction with other big celebrations, as during Kurban and Oraza Aits. People prepared much food plenty of kumiss. Of course, as it was a celebration, everybody would wear his or her best clothes. People in attendance would eat and watch Kyz Kuu.

In the race a lady and a zhigit would ride a distance of five to six kilometers. They would ride close together and talk, and stay close enough to embrace or tell stories; on this occasion the lady might offer no resistance. Upon reaching the starting place, the zhigit would stretch the front saddle and the back saddle girths tightly, stretching the back saddle almost to the horse's breast. Following that he'd put the breastplate straight, as the race course was usually uphill. This would allow the crowd to be able to see, since the way back would be difficult. On the way back, the zhigit would start first and the lady would try to catch up with him. If she caught him, she'd beat him with a riding whip; and if she remembered some offense, she might beat him hard! For that she must ride a good race horse. Both, the zhigit and the lady tried not to lose their honor in this process. In most cases, a well-bread girl would not beat the zhigit even if she caught up with him.

Kyz kuu exists nowadays, but those who remember the ancient traditions didn't like the way it is held these days. Sometimes people have it to show that they are Kazakhs, but many girls in particular may have never seen a saddle, touched a whip, or can sit on a horse without looking awkward. Urban zhigits are also usually clumsy on a horse. In earlier times, zhigits might perform different tricks while riding their horses. In rural places you can still find zhigits and girls who could ride wonderfully.