“Шежіре күні” is a day of remembrance. On this day, special attention is given to studying one’s family genealogy and showing respect to parents and elder relatives. It is considered that knowing shezhire (one’s ancestors up to the seventh generation) is an essential duty for every Kazakh.

Today, colleagues from the Syrymbet Historical and Ethnographic Museum named after Sh. Sh. Ualikhanov demonstrated to the staff of the State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve “Botai” one of the ancient Kazakh rituals—storing butter in a sheep’s stomach.

For this purpose, Kazakhs traditionally prepare a sheep’s stomach (karyn) in a special way for butter storage. It is believed that butter stored in karyn acquires a better taste. Butter is commonly salted, although not everyone follows this practice.

Traditionally, karyn is opened on special festive occasions: at the birth of a child, during Ramadan (oraza), during celebrations (tois), in honor of respected guests, or when relatives arrive.