KARAKALPAK NATIONAL CUSTOMS

MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND INNOVATION OF HIGHER EDUCATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN

KARAKALPAK STATE UNIVERSITY NAMED AFTER

BERDAKH

R. JUMAMURATOVA

KARAKALPAK NATIONAL CUSTOMS

NUKUS 2024

Professor J.Seytjanov

This guide will give students brief information about their meanings, origin of Uzbek and Karakalpak traditions to foreign guests. The manual also briefly mentions customs, traditions, festivals, and programs suitable for the Karakalpak people. This program also mentions the role and importance of tradition in the life of the Uzbek and Karakalpak people.

Ushbu qo’llanma talabalarga chet el mehmonlariga uzbek va qoraqalpoq urfodatlari ularning ma’nolari, kelib chiqishi haqida qisqacha ma’lumotlar beradi. Shuningdek bu qo’llanmada qoraqalpoq xalqiga mos bo’lgan urf-odatlar, an’analar, bayramlar va dasturlar haqida ham qisqacha aytib o’tilgan. Ushbu dastur, urf-odat an’analarning uzbek va qoraqalpoq xalqining hayotida tutgan o’rni va ahamiyati haqida ham aytib o’tilgan.

Introduction

National customs are formed within the framework of the individual and the nation, which are taken separately. For example, among the Uzbeks and Karakalpaks are those who say hello to the adults of those under them, get up early and sweep the courtyard, show special glory to the guests, check and trouble on the eve of the holiday, need help, receive messages from the elderly. During the period of the Muslim regime, many of our traditions were violated as old age, which negatively affected the preservation of national identity in youth education and, through this, the spiritual development of the Uzbek nation. National customs are formed and improved by the influence of the history, traditions of the nation and the nation, folk oral creativity, art and literature, lifestyle and other factors.

The history of the formation of the lifestyle of the peoples of Uzbekistan dates back to the 6th-7th centuries BC. Many customs and customs are associated with national and religious holidays “Navruz”, Ramadan Eid and Kurban Eid, family celebrations – weddings, childbirth, etc.

Historically, one of the main traditions of the Uzbek and Karakalpak people is hospitality. Among the people, the ability to receive a guest is highly appreciated, regardless of the fullness of the table, the fullness of the family. Therefore, if you are in the Uzbek or Karakalpak neighborhood, visit the holiday celebration, where your impressions have bright and original rituals that decorate your trip.

National customs-behavior that is constantly repeated, reflected in the social cultural life of the nation, embedded in its way of life, serving its formation and development, is a manifestation of the rules of behavior and skills adopted by many. National traditions have unique Uzbek historical features in our people, manifested in traditional and modern manifestations.

The neighborhood has a large presence in Uzbek and Karakalpak cultures. It brings people together, brings them closer, teaches them to treat everyone with respect, regardless of social status, nationality and religion. After all, this is not an

ordinary place of residence, it is a type of lifestyle and thinking, an age-old tradition, where such features as hard work, humanity, decency prevail. Representatives of the older generation adopted and increased the traditions and customs of the people brought up by the younger generation precisely in the neighborhoods. Another important part of our traditions is our national dishes.

Uzbek cuisine is one of the most colorful dishes in Central Asia. Dishes are prepared here for real gourmets and connoisseurs of Oriental hospitality. The centuries-old culinary traditions of the grazier and nomadic peoples of the region are concentrated today in a single and understandable recipe puzzle from the delicious dishes of Uzbek cuisine for all of us.

Uzbek breakfast. From time immemorial, Uzbeks have been giving fresh pastries and cream to dastarkhan from early morning. Hot cake made from a fresh creamy oven, hot tea with honey or refined sugar, fruits or dried fruits are the basis of a morning meal in any Uzbek family. Uzbek breakfast is recognized as a gastronomic brand along with Italian, French or Turkish dishes. Uzbek breakfast is distinguished not only by taste, but also by balance and useful properties. The traditional breakfast menu also includes National sweets such as pararda, holva, pashmak, khashtak, nisholda, moyqalam, sherbet, urama, navat sugar, tulumba, pakhlava. Green or black tea from drinks for breakfast, as well as shircha, are traditionally preferred.

A tradition is a system of beliefs or behaviors (folk custom) passed down within a group of people or society with symbolic meaning or special significance with origins in the past.[1][2] A component of cultural expressions and folklore, common examples include holidays or impractical but socially meaningful clothes (like lawyers' wigs or military officers' spurs), but the idea has also been applied to social norms and behaviors such as greetings, etc.

The customs and traditions of the Karakalpaks Reymova.A

The customs and traditions of the Karakalpaks originate from the cultures of the Sakas, Pechenegs, and Oghuz tribes. These traditions are reflected in many aspects of Karakalpak life, such as their hospitality. Therefore, when receiving guests, the most honored place is reserved for them. Guests are also presented with a specific part of a national dish prepared from a sacrificial animal, such as the head or another portion.

After the meal, a ceremony takes place in which the new bride or the wife of the host takes a tray from the guest's hands. In this ceremony, the bride bows deeply to the guest, carefully takes the tray, and then gracefully withdraws. Following this, the honored guest gives a speech, expressing good wishes for everyone present and special thanks to the head of the household. Afterward, the youngest member of the family (the youngest son among men or the bride among women) pours water from a jug for the guests to wash their hands.

Pre-wedding and post-wedding.

Karakalpak pre-wedding and post-wedding ceremonies involve fascinating processes. For example, a celebration and feast are held at the bride's home, with her family members, all clan members, and neighbors attending. On this day, the groom’s side brings a sheep or calf (sometimes a bull) to the bride’s home, along with gifts for her relatives.

As the groom approaches the bride's house, women from the bride’s side

(often neighbors) demand money for letting the groom enter the house. Young men support the groom throughout this process, and the "representative father" makes the payment on behalf of the groom. After the celebration feast, money is requested from the groom a second time, where he leaves money under a plate. The groom is also expected to give money to the matchmaker women. The matchmakers enter the guests' house with a jug of water, and if the groom doesn’t pay, they humorously “threaten” to pour the water over the in-laws. All these actions are carried out in a playful manner.

Cradle celebration

Any national tradition is largely shaped by historical periods and gives rise to the customs of a specific people. Traditions are closely linked to the feelings and culture of each nation, which is why they can be somewhat similar between different peoples, but sometimes they develop into distinct differences that do not resemble each other at all. In Karakalpakstan, along with the Karakalpaks, other nations and each group have their own specific customs. The Karakalpaks even have some traditions that do not occur among other related peoples. Thus, any tradition forms the basis of the national identity of a given people. “Tradition is the

path that each nation has traveled,” said Miklouho-Maclay.

Humanity has adopted both good and bad events in its history as traditions, while avoiding bad occurrences. For instance, wearing specific clothing has

become a tradition in every nation.

Ceremonies such as funerals, starting weddings, and other necessary rituals

have their own plans and arrangements. Every nation has these types of rituals, but they vary depending on the customs of each people. That is why, as part of tradition, cradles and swings are arranged for newborns. According to ancient customs, the new cradle was taken by the mother (that is, the new bride’s family) to the child’s maternal relatives. Nowadays, this custom can no longer be said to be preserved. In the past, midwives were held in particular respect. After offering a sheep, a piece of fabric, and clothing, the midwife held the third most respected position at ceremonies related to the child, after the grandmother. After this, the cradle was prepared, and a celebratory "shashiw" feast was held. Cradles are still present today, although in some places strollers have taken their place.

The cradle is made of wood and designed to wrap the baby inside, gently rocking them to sleep. Cradles were more often made in yurts for the purpose of child-rearing. The yurt can be cold in winter, making it difficult to keep a newborn warm and prevent illness. By wrapping the baby in a cradle, the child does not get cold. Additionally, most newborns spend a lot of time sleeping, and the cradle is

ideal for that. Moreover, babies' legs grow straight in the cradle. From this perspective, the cradle is convenient for newborns. After placing the baby in the cradle, a "besik toy" (cradle celebration) is held. This is also called a "shashiw toy" (sprinkling celebration). People host this feast based on their means, and some wealthy individuals would organize a grand celebration. Many children from the village were invited to visit. The origin of this practice is unknown, but the main dish of the "shashiw toy" was maize porridge mixed with yellow butter.

The Tradition of "Besik Shabiu" – Our Beloved Poet Ibrahim Yusupov

Our cherished poet Ibrahim Yusupov once said, "Your name is made up of ten letters, difficult to pronounce, and your customs are so vast that they are challenging to comprehend." This reflects how the Karakalpak people are a nation rich in history, national customs, and traditions. For instance, traditions like "Kyz Jiyini," "Khauzhar," "Bet Ashar," "Aitys," "Kuyeu Qade," and many others have been passed down from ancestors, from generation to generation.

When a child is born and placed in a cradle, there are numerous customs and rituals associated with this event. Unfortunately, as these rituals are performed, some of the blessings and wishes intended for the child’s future happiness and success are being forgotten in recent years, which is a saddening situation. As the saying goes, "The custom remains even if the horse dies." Therefore, it is beneficial to have traditions that foster mutual respect, kindness, and closeness, as long as they are maintained within appropriate boundaries.

Recently, we attended a celebration for the birth of a relative’s child, bringing a cradle and small gifts. After bringing the cradle, the "Besik Shabiu" tradition was performed. It was necessary that the oldest member present carry out the ritual of "Besik Shabiu." I eagerly and curiously listened, expecting to hear blessings, but they only collected the traditional offerings from those present after saying, "I have shod my horse, now it is shod."

The purpose of the "Besik Shabiu" tradition is not simply to fulfill obligations and collect offerings, but to express blessings for the newborn’s bright future, and to introduce them to family members and relatives.

What concerns me is that this beautiful tradition is being forgotten among the people. We decided it would be wise to gather the sayings of this tradition from knowledgeable individuals and present them to our community with respect.

The tradition of "Besik Shabiu" is performed to introduce the newborn to their ancestors, so they may know their lineage up to the seventh generation.

Toy baslaw

The wedding is considered one of the greatest joys in Karakalpak culture. There is a saying among the people: "May all that you have gathered be spent on a wedding," which reflects the importance of weddings as symbols of happiness. These celebrations are accompanied by numerous customs and traditions. Weddings are held for various reasons, such as a bride's departure (bride's farewell), a child’s marriage, birthdays, housewarming parties, circumcision ceremonies, and more. Among them, the largest and most exciting is the wedding for a child's marriage. At this wedding, traditional Karakalpak songs such as Toy Baslaw (wedding commencement), Hawjar (blessing), Synsyw (farewell song), and Bet Ashar (unveiling of the bride) are performed.

As the saying goes, "The fun starts after the wedding," before the arrival of the bride, the neighbors who serve at the wedding begin by singing the “Qutlı Bolsın Toyların'ız” (Blessing for your Wedding) song:

May your weddings, your weddings,

Be a perfect fit for you,

We are seated in the wedding hall,

May happiness overflow,

May voices echo across the world,

Blessed be your wedding.

In earlier times, the Toy Baslaw song may have been different. For example, if we look at the content of the epic "Alpamys," the wedding song seems to begin with a duet between a young man and a girl at Ultan's wedding. This suggests that in the past, weddings may have started with a hawjar sung by a young man and woman. Over time, the opening of weddings, that is, the formal start of the event with a song or music, may have shifted to being performed by bakhshi (traditional singers), jiraw (epic poets), or musicians. In short, regardless of how the wedding