Nowruz is one of the most important and bright holidays in the culture of Kazakhstan. It is celebrated under different names in a number of countries around the world. For Kazakhstan, however, it has enormous historical significance. Proof of this is that from March 14 to 23, over 1,500 events will be held throughout the country. Each of the ten days will be dedicated to a specific theme and values, reflecting the richness and diversity of Kazakh culture and society.
Nowruz means “new day”. The holiday is included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. This is the first day of spring, but it also carries the meaning of a new year in Kazakhstan. Once upon a time in the steppes of the Central Asian country, nomads divided the year into two - summer and winter. The winter six months were dark, cold, harsh. However, the warm months mark the beginning of a new world, a new hope. That is why this holiday is so important for Kazakhs and they still celebrate it today.
In Bulgaria it is known as the day of the vernal equinox. In Kazakhstan it is the holiday of the unity of all people, of harmony, of wealth. On this day, Kazakhs gather, think about the past year and ask for forgiveness from those they have hurt. They also think about how to make the world a better place to live. This is the time of awakening, of the blossoming of nature, of merging with it.
Nauryz is synonymous with fertility, light and goodness, of the inextricable connection of man with nature. Children born during this bright period of the year are given names that are derived from the holiday. On this day in the past, wars were interrupted, and Kazakh elders tried to establish peace.
It is interesting to note that on this day in Kazakhstan, special dishes are prepared. Among them is the soup kozhe - a symbol of prosperity and abundance. The soup must include seven mandatory elements, personifying the seven foundations of life - water, meat, salt, butter, flour, rice and milk. They symbolize happiness, luck, wisdom, health, wealth, growth and protection. Seven is a symbolic number, because that's how many guests you should invite, as well as how many acquaintances you should visit.
