ACADEMIC RESEARCH IN MODERN SCIENCE
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THE COMPARISON OF WEDDING TRADITION IN ENGLISH AND
KARAKALPAK CULTURE
Kalmuratova Inkar Maksetovna
Trainee-teacher of English language and literature
department, Karakalpak State University
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15285391
Abstract
. Weddings are significant cultural events that symbolize the union
of two individuals and the beginning of a new family. This article explores the
wedding traditions of English and Karakalpak cultures, highlighting their
similarities and differences. It discusses key aspects such as engagement,
wedding preparations, the ceremony, and post-wedding celebrations. While
English weddings focus on formal traditions and individual preferences,
Karakalpak weddings emphasize family involvement and cultural rituals.
Despite these differences, both cultures share the common values of love,
commitment, and joy in marriage.
Keywords
: Wedding traditions, English culture, Karakalpak culture,
engagement, ceremony, celebration, customs, rituals, marriage
Weddings are significant events in every culture, marking the union of two
people and the beginning of a new family. Although English and Karakalpak
wedding traditions have distinct customs, they also share some similarities. This
article explores the wedding traditions of both cultures, highlighting their
unique and common aspects.
To begin with, engagement is an important step in both English and
Karakalpak wedding traditions. In English culture, a man traditionally proposes
to a woman by giving her a ring, often kneeling on one knee. If she accepts, they
announce their engagement and start planning the wedding [4, 2-11]. Similarly,
in Karakalpak culture, the groom’s family officially asks for the bride’s hand in
marriage through a ceremony called "sawshılıq". During this event, the bride’s
family either agrees or politely declines, depending on their decision.
Moreover, wedding preparations play a crucial role in both cultures. In
England, couples usually spend months organizing their special day, choosing a
venue, sending invitations, and selecting a wedding dress. In contrast, in
Karakalpakstan, wedding preparations involve extended family members and
neighbors, who actively participate in cooking, decorating, and arranging the
ceremony.
In terms of the wedding ceremony itself, English weddings often take place
in a church, registry office, or a special venue. The bride wears a white dress,
symbolizing purity, while the groom wears a formal suit. Additionally, a priest or
ACADEMIC RESEARCH IN MODERN SCIENCE
International scientific-online conference
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an officiant leads the ceremony, during which the couple exchanges vows and
rings. At the end, they sign a marriage certificate to legalize the union.
On the other hand, Karakalpak weddings are traditionally held at home or
in a special wedding hall called "toyxana". The bride wears a richly decorated
dress with national ornaments, while the groom wears a traditional outfit or a
suit. Furthermore, Karakalpak weddings include a special ritual called "kelin
tusiriw", where the bride is welcomed into the groom’s house with blessings and
rituals to ensure happiness and prosperity [1, 63-70].
Another important aspect of weddings is the celebration. In England,
wedding receptions usually include a formal dinner, speeches, and dancing.
Guests raise a toast to the couple’s happiness, and the newlyweds share their
first dance. Later, the bride throws her bouquet, and it is believed that whoever
catches it will be the next to marry.
Similarly, Karakalpak weddings involve a grand feast with national dishes,
music, and dance. One of the most exciting traditions is "betashar", where the
bride's face is unveiled in front of the guests while a respected elder recites
blessings and poems. Likewise, there is a lot of singing and dancing, creating a
lively and joyful atmosphere.
Conclusion
. In conclusion, English and Karakalpak wedding traditions have
both unique and shared elements. While English weddings are often centered
around a church or a registry office with formal traditions, Karakalpak weddings
emphasize family involvement, cultural rituals, and community participation.
Nevertheless, both cultures value love, commitment, and the joy of starting a
new life together. As a result, weddings remain one of the most cherished
celebrations in both societies.
References:
1. Buvabaevna, K. H., & Medetovna, A. F. Development And Preservation Of
Karakalpak Ethnic Culture. Multidisciplinary Approaches in the Current Times,
63, 63-70.
2. Findlay, A. (2012). A Day to Remember: Wedding Ceremony and Cultural
Change. Shakespeare, 8(4), 411-423.
3. Makhammadovna, M. F., & Agzamova, D. B. (2021). Psycholinguistic studies of
pre-wedding and wedding traditions (on the basis of English and Uzbek
phraseological units). Turkish Online Journal of Qualitative Inquiry, 12(7).
4. Pereira Roders, A., & Van Oers, R. (2014). Wedding cultural heritage and
sustainable development: three years after. Journal of Cultural Heritage
Management and Sustainable Development, 4(1), 2-15.
