Atyrau Journal - Celebrations of Life

The loss of a loved one in Kazakhstan is recognized in three ceremonies: at 7 days, at 40 days, and at one year. On Saturday, we attended the one-year ceremony for the mother of work colleague. We understood it to be a small affair. It wasn’t. It was huge, 400 people or more and a full traditional Kazakh meal, including, of course, the dish known as “Five Fingers.” In prior times it was served at the center of the table and eaten by hand. This time, it was served family style, and then placed on plates. The ceremony included a film about her life and many, many, many speeches by friends and loved ones. We can't tell you more about it because it was all in the Kazakh language. But at Kazakh events, the speeches and toasts are everything and follow a traditional pattern we have yet to decipher.