Maternity and Childbirth Traditions
The customs surrounding maternity and childbirth in Karakalpak culture are particularly intriguing. Various rituals are performed to protect the newborn from misfortunes. Naming the baby is given great importance, with the most respected community member, spiritual leader, or elder (aksakal) often having the honor of choosing the name. Names are frequently chosen to honor great-grandparents, with «Nur» being a popular prefix, as seen in names like Nuratdin and Nursultan.
Beshik-tui, a celebration held on the fortieth day after birth, is a significant event. After a traditional bathing, the child is placed in a cradle. To ward off evil, items like an onion, pepper, and a knife are placed under the pillow, while a mirror under the baby’s feet symbolizes a fair life and an open, beautiful face. Additionally, a large grindstone and bread are placed near the baby, representing a strong mind and keen eyes. Various charms are also sewn onto the infant’s clothing to protect against mischief.
Marriage Customs
Karakalpak marriage traditions, akin to those of other Turkic-speaking peoples, involve several stages: arrangement, a small feast (patia toi) in the bride’s home, and the wedding day itself, which includes feasts at both the bride’s and groom’s houses.
The arrangement typically takes place at the bride’s home, where the groom’s parents present gifts to the bride’s parents. Elders play a crucial role, as their permission is necessary for the marriage. The groom’s family must also present something white and agree on the dowry (qalin’).
Following the arrangement, both families hold a Kenes toi, inviting relatives, neighbors, and close friends to discuss wedding details. The patia toi, a smaller feast, is held at the bride’s home, with the groom covering all costs and giving ritual gifts to the bride and her family. After this feast, the bride’s parents visit the groom’s parents with gifts in a custom called Ydys kaytty (literally, «dishes are given back»).
An integral part of the wedding is the bride’s synsu, a traditional crying to express sorrow over leaving her father’s home. Upon arrival at the groom’s house, the bride is showered with candies by the groom’s mother, symbolizing a sweet life. The bride is then escorted into a room closed off by a patterned screen called a shimyldyk, where she remains until the important ceremony of unveiling her face, known as bet ashar. After this ceremony, the bride greets each guest with a bow in a ritual called kelin salom, similar to Uzbek traditions.
