Local residents emphasize that the ceremonies related to sending off the girl require special attention.
“The bride's parents are responsible for conducting all the rituals and preparing the dowry. The groom, in turn, dresses the bride in red. It is important for her to have four pairs of clothing, shoes, and dresses. A traditional Dungan dish — Shchi, made from meat, vegetables, bread, and rice, must be present on the festive table. The color red symbolizes celebration for the Dungans. The bride's clothing is adorned with bells so that every step she takes can be heard, which traditionally signals her arrival, although this detail has lost its relevance over time,” the locals share.
Gallery: Dungan Wedding at Issyk-Kul
The amount of kalyn was announced in the village by librarian Gulnara Mafkuyeva and paramedic Marina Jazieva.
“The kalyn for a girl starts at 50,000 soms. In other regions, the amount can reach 3,000 dollars. The bride's parents furnish their daughter's new home with furniture and appliances. The day after the wedding, she appears in public in a different outfit,” they explain.
“After the birth of a child, the bride stays in her husband's house for 40 days and does not leave it, while no one has the right to visit her so that outsiders do not see the baby,” the interviewees add.
Residents also note that the Dungans are known for their hard work.
