At the Faculty of Pre-University Education of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, an open curatorial hour was held in groups of foreign students on the topic: "Traditional holidays of Kazakhstan. March 17 – Shanyrak kuni (Family Values Day)".
The foreign students were introduced to the tradition of the Kazakh people celebrating Nauryz meiram (Nauryz holiday), especially its last decade. At this time, every day carries its own meaning.
Every day of the festive decade is dedicated to understanding, national identity, and the formation of modern traditions as part of the celebration of Family Values Day in Kazakhstan.
In the Kazakh language, the word "shanyrak" has a deep meaning. In the old days, Kazakhs searched for philosophical meaning in the whole surrounding world and tried to connect it with their way of life, the worldview of the nomads. Shanyrak strengthens the walls of the yurt, light penetrates through it into the dwelling. Shanyrak also represents independence, self-reliance. About newlyweds who separated from their parents, they say: "they created their own shanyrak".
Shanyrak also symbolized the heavenly dome, served as a sign of ownership, a guarantee of security and continuity of generations. Therefore, Shanyrak kuni (Family Values Day) is a celebration of the unity of the whole nation, not just one family. Therefore, on this day, events are held in the regions of the country aimed at popularizing family values, dedicated to the moral education of the younger generation.
Al-Farabi Kazakh National University
Teachers of the Department of Language and General Education Training of Foreigners
Tolmacheva D.
Akhmedova A.
Ignatova E.