— First of all, foreigners are pleasantly surprised by the hospitality, by many invitations and unusual dishes served by the Kazakh people.
— "Tusaukeser" is a rite implying lace cutting. A child’s legs are tied up with a thin lace, which is cut afterwards, and put a few things in front of him or her. It’s believed that in future the baby will deal with the thing he or she chooses.
— The game called "Kyz kuu" — “Chase a girl” is an unusual game, implying a guy trying to catch up with a girl. If he catches up, he has the right to kiss her, whereas the girl beats him with a whip if she catches up with the guy.
— Many foreigners are amazed at the celebration greatness of Nauryz. The splendor and solemnity of the rituals included in the celebration are impressing: preparation for Nauryz, dressing up in national costumes and the respectful attitude of the Kazakhs towards their history, culture and traditions.
— The majority of foreigners do not have parties conducted by masters of ceremony. Therefore, the masters’ eloquence and ability to cheer up people is something new for them.
— The eldest and the most honorable guest is given the right to give his blessing called "bata". This tradition surprises and delights the guests of our country.
— Food abundance on all the parties is a thing that foreigners are not used to.
— Kazakh girls must live with their parents-in-law, look after them and do everything to please relatives. That astonishes foreigners not acquainted with our mentality. The tradition of stealing a bride is the most startling and scaring tradition.
— Foreigners are admired by the Kazakh treatment of children. Parents investing a lot in them is the thing that surprises foreigners a lot.
— Foreign guests have never heard of such long toasts at wedding parties and birthdays, though they believe that tradition to be useful and allowing people to express your love and respect.
— Some guests are not used to the fact that son’s children are, as a rule, closer to the family than daughter’s.
Thanks to Edita Denst Garcia, Anne-Claire Gross, Ali Ashraf Attiyah and Ben Taylor for helping to create the article.
