The Secret of the National Headwear - Elichek.
January 1, 2024
I love studying nomadic culture primarily because there are no coincidences in it. Every detail, word, tradition is well thought out and has practical application in life. I like to say, 'Nothing happens just because among nomads!'
One of the most striking elements of the traditional women's costume - the headwear called Elichek - is no exception. This dignified attribute was worn only by married women and had a special meaning and functional purpose.
Elichek is a 40-meter strip of white cotton fabric, which was wound in a specific way on the head of a girl entering into marriage. It was believed that if the first elichek of the bride was wound smoothly and easily, then her married life would be happy.
But what is the significance of such a form of headwear? And here we return to the nomadic culture. The entire life of nomads was spent on the move, so all things and household items were, as we would say now, optimized and multifunctional.
40 meters of white cotton fabric could be used in two cases: as a swaddle for a newborn baby and as a shroud for the deceased husband or herself.
One of the most striking elements of the traditional women's costume - the headwear called Elichek - is no exception. This dignified attribute was worn only by married women and had a special meaning and functional purpose.
Elichek is a 40-meter strip of white cotton fabric, which was wound in a specific way on the head of a girl entering into marriage. It was believed that if the first elichek of the bride was wound smoothly and easily, then her married life would be happy.
But what is the significance of such a form of headwear? And here we return to the nomadic culture. The entire life of nomads was spent on the move, so all things and household items were, as we would say now, optimized and multifunctional.
40 meters of white cotton fabric could be used in two cases: as a swaddle for a newborn baby and as a shroud for the deceased husband or herself.
Author:
Larisa Bulina
Larisa Bulina
You can learn even more interesting facts about Kyrgyzstan on my blog or on my YouTube channel.
Traveler,
Founder of SARYKYZ
Founder of SARYKYZ
Photo:
Abylai Saralaev
Abylai Saralaev