Birth Customs and Traditions in Kyrgyzstan

Childbirth in Kyrgyzstan was historically a perilous experience for both mother and baby, with survival often uncertain even after birth. To ensure the health and longevity of newborns, many traditions were developed, blending pagan and shamanistic beliefs that predate Islam. These customs were meant to protect both mother and child from malevolent spirits and misfortune.

At the heart of these traditions was the role of the midwife, or kindik-ene, whose primary duty was to assist in the safe delivery of the baby. She ensured the baby was in the correct position for birth and, after the child was born, would cut the umbilical cord. In addition to her practical duties, the midwife played a spiritual role, reciting protective spells to ward off evil spirits. Revered as a reincarnation of the earth goddess Umai-ene, she was seen as a guardian of mothers and infants. As a mark of gratitude, the midwife was honored with gifts like a sheepskin or the finest cut of meat after the birth.

Once the baby was born, a special celebration called dje-entek toi was held. During this event, guests were offered melted butter, known as sary mal, which had been preserved in the stomach of a lamb specifically for this occasion. If a child was born prematurely, they would be wrapped in fox fur and placed in a makeshift hammock hung from the wooden frame of the yurt. This hammock was moved around the yurt in specific intervals—nine months, nine days, nine hours, and nine minutes—to symbolize a full gestation period. Only after this period was complete would the child be considered fully born, and the dje-entek toi would be celebrated.

Another important ritual, the beshik toi, marked the moment a newborn was first swaddled and placed in a traditional juniper cradle, or beshik. The act of swaddling and placing the baby in the cradle was performed by an elderly woman, symbolizing the hope that the child would live to an old age. After spending 40 days in seclusion, the baby was introduced to society. During the first visit from family and friends, they brought a koronduk, a special gift, typically money. A unique cloth made from scraps donated by 40 neighbors was crafted for the baby, with each scrap representing a day of the child’s life. These scraps were believed to possess magical qualities, making the cloth both special and protective.

When a child took their first steps, a ceremony called tushoo kesuu was held. The baby’s legs were bound with a black-and-white rope, symbolizing the balance between good and evil. Guests participated in races, and the winner earned the privilege of cutting the rope, symbolically helping the baby take their first steps.

In the past, infant mortality rates were high, and special rituals were practiced for families who had lost children. In some cases, a child would be given to foster parents to raise for a certain period. If a family lost several boys, the next son might be dressed in girls’ clothing and have his hair braided until the age of 10 or 12, when his hair would be cut. Amulets or Quranic verses were sometimes sewn into the child’s clothing, and metal bracelets or earrings were worn to scare off evil spirits.

Today, with modern medical care significantly reducing infant mortality, many of these traditions have faded. While some rituals, like tushoo kesuu, remain popular, others, such as the use of a beshik or the assistance of a midwife, have become less common in contemporary Kyrgyz life.