PH
In the traditional Betashar wedding ritual of Kazakhstan, the bride is formally introduced to members of her new family.
A performer sings verses that name relatives and describe how the bride should show respect toward them.
The bride traditionally responds through gestures such as bowing.
The ceremony therefore functions as both a wedding ritual and an introduction to the social relationships she is entering.
Rather than simply being a celebration between two people, the ritual emphasizes the bride's connection to a wider family network.
UNESCO inscribed Betashar on its Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2024.
The tradition shows how wedding ceremonies can communicate social relationships as well as mark marriage itself.
© UNESCO