Question

7 9.1.3.1 9.3.3.1 THINK! Why is Nauryz important? In three minutes, write a few sentences on the topic. Read them to the class.​

Answer 1

Ответ:

Nauryz is the most important holiday in the Kazakh calendar.

Nauryz means ‘new day’, it is celebrated over several days from March 21st and marks Persian New Year which begins on the Vernal Equinox. The month of March is known as Nauryz in Kazakhstan.

Since 2009, there have been officially three days of bank holidays for Nauryz beginning on March 21st. If the holiday falls over a weekend, the holiday will be extended to the following weekdays.

History of Nauryz 

This is a very ancient holiday, known to have been celebrated for over five thousand years by different cultures in central Asia. Certainly noticing that the days were starting to get longer than nights on the exposed plains of the steppes must have come as welcome relief to the tribes living there after a harsh winter.

As with other Spring festivals around the world, traditional customs focus on the idea of renewal, rebirth and a chance to start again. Acts such as house cleaning, settling debts and forgiving past offences by others are common.

Nauryz celebrations today are a mixture of old and new, ranging from preparing rich food to rock concerts. In fact, these days it seems that anything goes in marking Nauryz, with the prevailing rule being the more festive, the better.

Two key traditional elements of Nauryz are feasting, starting with a tasty yoghurt-like dish known as Nauryz kozhe, and the erecting of yurts, or traditional nomad homes.

Nauryz kozhe is the most important dish related to the festival and a main symbol of Nauryz. A yoghurt like dish, Nauryz kozhe is traditionally made with seven different ingredients, which can vary but generally include water, meat, salt, milk, one type of grain (rice, corn or wheat) and two other ingredients. These seven ingredients symbolize the seven virtues of joy, success, intelligence, health, wealth, agility and security.

During Nauryz, in urban areas, traditional felt nomad dwellings called Yurts will be erected. These yurts act as focal points for people to find out more about the culture and lifestyle of the traditional nomads through Kazakh songs, dance and national clothing.

More modern festivities such as firework displays and music concerts will also take place during Nauryz.

In 1926 Kazakhstan became part of the Soviet Union and celebrating Nauryz was banned as the regime did not tolerate any reference to traditional or ethnic heritage as it was seen to detract from the formation of a pure Marxist state and a Soviet ethnicity.

It was only in 1988, shortly before the collapse of the Soviet Union that Nauryz became a holiday once more, and was officially recognised by a presidential decree on March 15th 1991. Since then it has regained its position as the most important and popular festival in Kazakhstan.

Answer 2

Nauryz is an important celebration that holds deep cultural significance in Central Asian countries, particularly Kazakhstan. This ancient holiday, also known as "Nauryz Meyrami," marks the arrival of spring and the rejuvenation of nature. It is celebrated on March 21st, coinciding with the vernal equinox.

Nauryz is vital as it embodies the values of unity, renewal, and harmony with nature. It is a time when people come together to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness and bid farewell to winter. The festival symbolizes new beginnings, fertility, and the hope for a prosperous year ahead.

During Nauryz, various traditional customs and rituals take place. These include setting up a "Nazar" tree adorned with colorful ribbons and items representing abundance, good fortune, and happiness. People dress in vibrant traditional attire and engage in lively music, dance, and games. Traditional dishes, such as "Nauryz-kozhe" (a special wheat-based porridge) and "Baursaks" (fried dough), are prepared and shared with family, friends, and neighbors.

Nauryz not only showcases the rich cultural heritage of the region but also promotes unity and inclusivity. It brings people from different ethnic backgrounds, religions, and generations together to celebrate their shared traditions. The festival serves as a reminder of the importance of harmony, respect, and solidarity among communities.

Furthermore, Nauryz has gained international recognition and has been inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This acknowledgment highlights the significance of Nauryz in preserving cultural diversity and promoting intercultural dialogue.

In conclusion, Nauryz is a cherished celebration that holds immense importance in Central Asian cultures, particularly in Kazakhstan. It signifies the arrival of spring, the revival of nature, and the values of unity and harmony. Through its customs and traditions, Nauryz promotes cultural diversity, inclusivity, and the preservation of ancient cultural heritage.