More of our Spring Celebration- Fun Stuff to Do!

Continuing on with our glimpse into the Spring Celebrations, called Nauruz, that took place March 21, I'll share with you the various activities set up for all to enjoy. If you'll recall, a big celebration was set up on the City Square for anyone to come and delight in the many things available for young or old, single or married, boy or girl.

The first things someone would have seen as they entered the Square were the huge swings, called Altabakhan, set up. Three separate areas were erected, and the lines were long to get a chance to swing high with a friend. Literally, altabakhan, means "6 logs" because as you can see in the photos below, they are made from 6 logs that serve as the legs.

Traditionally, the swings were set up at parties, weddings, or such and served as one of the very few opportunities that were given to young people to spend time together "alone". A young man would invite a girl to swing and would use the time to court his girl under the watchful, yet distant eyes of their elders.







While mainly the older girls took turns on the swings, the men and boys gathered at the wrestling ring. This activity, in fact, was FAR more popular than the pageant happening at the same time. 2 young boys at a time squared off in a padded ring with a referee, each trying to pin the other one first. Of course, it resembled a gnarly fist fight at times, which was pretty darned exciting. Regardless, this sport is quite loved here, and, in fact, several Olympic medals have been bestowed on athletes from the Steppe for wrestling. The older men especially enjoyed watching these matches, and unfortunately, it was so popular, it was difficult to get a ringside spot, and my photos turned out pretty bad. Nevertheless, I'll share what I did get...







Children, especially the younger boys, enjoyed challenging one another to games of chess, while a few of the older boys, called zhigits, fought hard playing Tug o' War:







Scattered around the Square at various places were camels and horses decorated in their exhibition finery. It was a nice diversion for the youngest set to pay a few coins for a chance to sit upon the white baby camels, (animals that are viewed as exceptional good luck) and pose for a picture.

Elaborate sets made for posing for more pictures with family or friends, are a standard thing set up for every holiday, but this year's sets seemed more ornate and gaudy than ever. Some included live animals such at baby goats or hawks or doves, while others boasted gigantic stuffed animals, silk flower arrangements, toy cars to sit on, or characters dressed up in traditional costumes in front of brightly colored backgrounds. Tacky to the nines, but fun nonetheless.








Next week, we'll focus on the various foods that were offered to the hungry masses!

Until then,

Your SteppeSister