Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEYnNQ1qwOg&t=34s
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Our topic today is the Uzbek cradle that is called Beshik and a beautiful ceremony associated with the cradle “Beshik tuy”. So let’s get start
The birth of a baby is a great event for every family. In Uzbekistan, there is a very important and colorful tradition dedicated to it. The birth of a first-born in a family is accompanied by an ancient rite – beshik tuy. This is a ritual holiday associated with the first swaddling and placing the child into the cradle which is named beshik and all relatives, neighbors and friends of the family participate in the preparation for it.
Let’s first understand what beshik is
Beshik – so the Uzbek people call the cradle where they place the newborn baby. Beshik plays a great role in the life of the Turkic and Tajik-Persian people, and its history is rooted in the distant past. In those days when there were no required conditions in order to survive the cold winters and hot summers, it was difficult to maintain the health of baby who was not yet accustomed to such changes, the beshik protected him under its cover. For this reason, it is very much appreciated in the countries of Central Asia.
Beshik is very convenient and practical to use. In appearance, it resembles a domed arch. This is some kind of symbolic meaning of the Muslim world. The medium length of beshik can be one meter; the height is 40-60 centimeters. Beshik is painted with natural dyes.
The base of it (its legs) resembles a semicircle; this is done to make it easy to use when lulling the baby. The handle is located horizontally above, which was convenient to rock the cradle, also it is possible to lean on it during lactation. Various rattles and toys are hung on it.
The child is placed in a beshik on his back. Having pressed the little hands of child to his body, we bind the little body with cloth from bakhmal (velvet) and tie it to the bottom of the beshik. The child’s legs are tied in the same way. The child is placed so that his buttocks, uncovered by matter, are arranged directly above the pot made of ceramic clay. In this situation, the child does not get dirty with the urge and discharge of feces.
A special wooden tube is used to divert urine called Sumak. It is attached to the genitals of the child and draws urine directly into the pot.
There are 2 types of sumak, for boys and girls. This is very important because the baby’s body in a beshik is always clean and dry and the mother is freed from the need to change diapers.
Сelebration of Beshik tuy.
The grandmother of the newborn on the part of the mother, before holding this solemn ceremony, buys a beshik and decorates it, as well as prepares everything necessary for the baby. On the day of the ceremony, with the sounds of national musical instruments – karnay, surnay, nogora and doira, the relatives of the baby’s mother bring the beshik and all the things necessary for the newborn – clothes, toys, as well as cakes and sweets. Guests are invited to the living room to the dastarkhan table. While they are having a meal at the festive table, a ritual of the first swaddling and placing the baby in the cradle with the participation of older women is held.
Beshik is placed in the middle of the room. Bedspreads are put on beshik, pillows and a pot are put inside. From the side of the baby’s head, under the bottom of the beshik an onion, small stone are placed. This is done to frighten away devilry and evil spirits.
The grandmother who brought the beshik takes the baby in her arms and deliberately places the child from the wrong side and asks: “So will we put him?”. All guests reply: “No, no!”. Then again from the wrong side: “And so?” In response: “No, no!” Only for the third time she does everything correct with the same question. And All reply: “Yes, yes!” the child is placed inside the cradle and gently tied. He is untied and again tied up several times so that mom learns to manage how to place the baby without mistake that can cause injuries, discomfort to the child.
To the sound lullaby which is called alla, they put the baby in the cradle.
According to tradition, guests strew Parvarda-sweet confectionery, Navat (crystalized sugar) on Beshik, so that the child’s life will be long, joyful and happy. In the end, a burning issirik (harmala) is brought in for ritual fumigation, fragrances and from the evil eye.
The feast is fun, lively, with tunes, songs and dances, with conversation and jokes. At the end of the feast, each guest can go to the beshik with a child and give her own, a special gift, or just congratulate her mother and say something nice. The groom’s side gives guests several gifts. This is done in a festive, semi-official setting with the name of the guest.
The ceremony of Beshik tuy is carries out with the aim that the newborn knows his seven generations and has lived so long life.
After fulfillment of all the rituals associated with the Beshik Tuy, guests go home. With this, the rite ends.
In a conclusion we can say that: In an Uzbek family, as well as in other families, the long-awaited child, who gives joy with his birth to everyone around him, also requires great responsibility. He must be protected so that he grows up healthy and smart; of course, these are all responsibilities of his parents. Although disputes about the use of beshik are continuing to this day, it is still an integral part of the Uzbek family.
We hope that you enjoyed the video. This is just a small part of the customs associated with beshik because each region of Uzbekistan has its traditions and customs that are completely distinguishes from each other.
We are waiting for your “likes”. Also, share with us the unusual traditions and customs that exist in your country.
Thank you very much for your attention.
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