The place and importance of preservation of Kyrgyz culture on celebrations for children in the family

Abstract

In all societies, there are some celebratory ceremonies that are practiced from birth to death. Especially in societies where traditions are strictly kept, such ceremonies are of great importance. Tradition refers to all kinds of material, spiritual knowledge, thought and cultural accumulation that a community inherits from previous generations and transfers to the next generations by being relatively renewed in various ways. In traditional societies where the position of individuals is located within the tradition, there is a very close relationship and intense face-to-face communication between individuals. In such societies where tradition is an important source of information, the family institution also has an important place and importance. Traditions reflect values and characters of societies, and often traditions play a unifying and integrating role within society. In other words, they form the basis of social consensus. On the other hand, the normal cycle of human life in traditional societies has been marked by celebrations loaded with some religious and social meanings. It can be said that this situation provides continuity in social life. Traditions can differ according to the national and religious values, mentalities and geography of societies. Today, the Kyrgyz, who have a traditional social identity and live their traditions to a large extent, have a unique social character, although they are similar to other Turkish communities. Family values are of great importance for the Kyrgyz, who live and strive to continue their centuries-old traditions in all areas of social life. Among the traditional celebrations held in connection with important events in different periods of human life in Kyrgyz culture, there are also many ceremonies for children. In this paper, we will focus on traditional celebrations for children aged 0-7 in Kyrgyz society and their value in the family. Among the ceremonies applied for children; 'süünçülöö' (announcing the birth of the child), 'naming the child', 'kırkın çıgaruu' (a special ceremony for a newborn baby after 40 days of birth), 'centek toy' (a big celebration for a newborn child), 'beşik toy' '(putting the child in the cradle), 'tuşoo kesü' (rope cutting ceremony), 'circumcision' can be counted. These traditional celebrations held within the family reflect the beliefs of the Kyrgyz people, their approach to material and spiritual values, and their attitudes towards children. In addition, it has an important place in transferring the Kyrgyz culture to the next generations, keeping the family values alive and teaching new values to the children. We are convinced, that these practices, containing religious and national values should be reflected in formal and non-formal education. Such approach will contribute to the future of the family institution in Kyrgyzstan.