Holidays of Turkmenistan
Holidays in Turkmenistan are surprisingly distinctive. The roots of many go back to the distant past, when the patriarchal-feudal system of the country forced residents to lead a completely isolated life..
Celebration of the Turkmen carpet
The holiday is celebrated at the end of May, or rather on its last Sunday. It became an official date in 1992 and all events are held at the Museum of the Turkmen Carpet. This is the only museum in the world located in the capital of the country, Ashgabat.
The house in the East begins where the carpet is laid. This is exactly what the Turkmen proverb says, and the history of the country fully confirms this..
Turkmens have always been a nomadic people, and carpets were not just an ornament, but carried a special practical load. Some insulated the dwelling, others played the role of furniture and bed, in the third people transported their simple belongings.
The transition of the carpet from a purely practical product to a work of art began from the moment the peoples of Turkmenistan led a sedentary lifestyle. People came to the idea that in addition to convenience, when the house is warm and dry, it should also be beautiful. And they achieved great success in this. Today, Turkmen carpets are placed on a par with Venetian glass and lace in Brussels. They are the benchmark for all carpet weaving masters. Weaving art has been passed down from generation to generation. Moreover, each family had their own secrets..
Beshik-tuyi
Holidays in Turkmenistan are divided into official and family ones. Beshik-tuyi belongs to the category of family celebrations. Translated, its name means «cradle made of wood». It is celebrated on the 7th, 9th or 11th day from the moment the baby is born. As a gift, relatives present the child with a cradle and all the necessary accessories. The celebration is widely celebrated. National dishes, homemade cakes and various sweets are put on the table.
Harvest festival
Now this holiday is not celebrated, but relatively recently it was quite common. It was celebrated at the end of the harvest. People did not have their own land plots, but worked the land together. Then a small part of the total harvest was taken and sold. The money raised was used to buy food. The table was laid either in the village itself, or in the threshing floor.
Melon festival
It is a national holiday introduced by the President of the country in 1994. According to Turkmen archaeologists, the inhabitants of Turkmenistan began to grow melons in the distant past. Melon seeds found on the territory of the ancient settlement of Guyar-Kala are evidence of this. The modern economy of the country has more than 800 varieties and varieties of this amazingly tasty fruit..
