Syrğa salu

How does the rite take place?

In the past, years could pass between matchmaking and the wedding itself: a girl was betrothed in childhood, and sometimes - even before she was born.

The rite takes place in the bride's home, where the matchmakers arrive. They are met with a generous дастархан, songs and music. After the meal comes the exchange of gifts and the ritual itself - the placing of earrings on the bride. This is done by the future mother-in-law. The girl is solemnly led out by the daughters-in-law, held by the arms - for this «showing» one is to give көрімдік (money or gifts).

The bride's relatives receive gifts - киіт. The bride's parents are presented with өлі-тірісі - most often a ram or a horse. The father receives the most valuable gift, while the mother is paid ана сүтінің ақысы - this may be a large sum of money or a precious piece of jewelry - in gratitude for raising the daughter. They are also given құдағи қоржын - a pouch with various gifts and jewelry.

A special place is held by the generous дастархан, which must include құйрық-бауыр - a dish of fat-tail and liver symbolizing the warmth and bonding of the two families. By Kazakh tradition, earrings are a kind of betrothal adornment. The girl is given silver earrings as a symbol of purity and health. They are placed by either the groom's mother or a respected woman from his clan.

Owl feathers are attached to the bride's headdress - if the young men saw such feathers, they understood: the girl is already betrothed.

New meanings of the rite

Today the tradition is preserved but takes on new forms. It is adapted to the present day while keeping its symbolism and respect for the culture.

Often, along with earrings, the groom gives the bride other jewelry as well. The bride's parents may be given қалын мал in monetary form - a compensation for the dowry that was once expressed in livestock. Today қалын мал is not always passed on. Instead of silver earrings, golden ones are increasingly given, underscoring the value of the girl and the seriousness of intentions.

The earrings may be adorned with precious stones, and owl feathers - given symbolically together with the jewelry. If years once passed between «Syrğa salu» and the wedding, now the rite is often held a few days before the celebration - or even on the eve of the bride's send-off.