Customs and traditions of Uzbekistan Ceremonies

Customs and traditions of Uzbekistan
Ceremonies
Ceremonies of Uzbek people have formed over the centuries as a result of complex process of merger of cultural skills and traditions of all tribes and nationalities that participated in Uzbeks’ ethnogenesis. They are quite original, bright and diverse, and go back to tribal patriarchal relations. Great number of ceremonies follows the family life and associated with birth and upbringing the child, weddings, burials.
Ceremonies associated with the birth and upbringing of kids (beshik-tuyi, khatna-kilish), wedding (fatiha-tuy, wedding) are of particular importance. Often they represent the combination of Islamic rituals with more ancient forms related to mystical practices. With adoption of Islam many family and everyday customs have undergone its influence, and Muslim religious ceremonies were introduced in Uzbeks’ life. Friday is deemed a holiday celebrated in the cathedral mosque by general namaz (prayer). Patriarchal customs continues their existence in the social life which is focused on mosque, chaykhana (tea-house), bazaar and in which only men participate.
Beshik Tuyi
Beshik Tuyi (wooden cradle) is a ritual celebration related to the first putting the baby into the cradle. It is one of the most ancient and widespread ceremonies in Uzbekistan. Usually, such event is held on the 7th, 9th or 11th day from the birthday of the baby. In various regions the ceremony has its specific features and depends on the family’s income level: rich families usually celebrate this event on a large scale, while families with low income celebrate it moderately. Beshik (cradle) and necessary items for the baby are provided by the relatives of the baby’s mother. Flat bread, sweets and toys are wrapped in dastarkhan (tablecloth).


Khatna kilish
Khatna kilish is another ancient Uzbek ceremony that was sanctified by Islam (Sunnat Tuyi). This ceremony is held among boys of age of 3, 5, 7, 9 , and rarely age of 11-12. Performing the sunnat is controlled by the community. From the moment of birth of a boy parents start preparations for the sunnat-tuyi by purchasing necessary items gradually. Several months prior the ceremony which also colled «wedding» («tuy») immediate preparations for it start. Relatives and neighbors help in sewing the quilts, preparing the wedding gifts. All these stuff are ordered to be done by women with many kids. Before the event the Qur’an is read in presence of elderly people from the mahalla (neighborhood), imam from the mosque and relatives.


Morning Palov
Ceremony of the morning palov is held during the wedding (“sunnat-tuyi” or marriage ceremony) and commemoration ceremonies ( 20 days and 1 year after the date of death). Organizers of the wedding appoint the date and time of the morning palov, having agreed preliminarily with the mahalla community or quarter’s committee. Invitations for this day are sent to relatives, neighbors and friends. In the evening, one day before the event the ‘sabzi tugrar” ceremony (slicing the carrot)is held which is usually visited by neighbors and close relatives. After the ceremony all participants are invited to the table. Usually, performers are also invited to the “sabzi tugrar” ceremony.



Fatikha-Tuy (Engagement)
Nuptials are held with permission and blessing of parents and is held in several stages. When one’s son comes of age, parents start searching the suitable girl for him. Close relatives, neighbors, friends are involved in this process. Having found a girl, aunts by mother or father come to the girl’s house under some excuse, in order to look at her, to get acquainted with her parents and home settings of potential bride. After this neighbors and friends gather information on the family of chosen girl. In case of positive references, matchmakers are sent. Fatikha-0tuy (engagement) is one of the major rituals in matchmaking. Matchmakers designated the day of engagement.

Wedding
Wedding ceremony has traditionally exceptional place in Uzbeks’ lives and is celebrated with particular splendor. While having common features, this ceremony still has its specific aspects in various regions. Brides transfer from her parents’ house to the groom’s house is the main moment of the weeding cycle. On the wedding day the wedding palov is served to the guests at the bride’s house, and such palov is cooked in the groom’s house and then sent to the bride’s. same palov serving is conducted at the groom’s house as well. On the wedding day the mosque’s imam reads the “Hutbai Nikoh” (Prayer on Nuptials) for the young couple after which the latter are announced the husband and wife before the Allah. Imam explains the rights and obligations of the husband and wife to the couple. Usually, after ceremony of nikoh the couple goes to the Wedding Registry Office for registration of their civil marriage.