Kazakh Culture: The Significance of the Tradition of Seven Ancestors

No matter how many peoples there are in the world, each of them has its own culture, consisting of many customs and traditions that characterize its national characteristics and differences, revealing its national essence. Preserving the native culture, not abandoning the traditions of ancestors, not succumbing to the influence of other cultures is one of the current trends in the era of globalization. The Kazakh culture, which existed from century to century and retained a nomadic way of life until the twentieth century, also experienced many interesting and difficult periods. The life of a nomadic people living on a vast territory was not easy. Life and prosperity in the steppe required patience and perseverance, good health and patience, dexterity and skill. The most important value in the nomadic Kazakh culture is a person, human life, and health. Therefore, the overwhelming majority of the traditions of the Kazakh people are based on the most important stages of human life, the continuity of
generations and the health of the nation.
One of the most important and ancient traditions of the Kazakhs is Jeti Ata. Literally translated means "Seven grandfathers". Jeti Ata is an old tradition, according to which everyone had to know their ancestors until the seventh generation. This tradition has been handed down from generation to generation preserved to this day. What was the significance of this tradition and why did you need to know your seven ancestors? First of all, it was necessary for human health, the continuation of the generation and for the preservation of the nation. Kazakhs feared incest, feared the spread of diseases, especially hereditary ones, the birth of sick children, so they took care of themselves. At the same time, this is the only secret that calls this tradition "blood purity." Secondly, Jeti Ata is not just a collection of names, it is a chronological history of each family, clan and a whole nation that has formed over the years. Knowing seven ancestors, each generation learns the history of seven eras, the life, knowledge and values of the people of their ancestors. Based on this, they strive to be good people, following the example of the prestige of their ancestors, the virtues of their country, courage and devotion, and so on. They tries to avoid such mistakes, avoiding negative character traits and actions. For example, if their grandparents are honored, loved and respected in the eyes of the country, they are proud and do not want to tarnish the image of their ancestors. If you do something wrong and make an irreparable mistake, it will be considered a black mark on the reputation of the entire dynasty, and future generations will be ashamed of you and will be useless in the eyes of the country. Therefore, not only for themselves, but also for future generations, people try to avoid bad habits. The tradition of Jeti ata is of great importance in the upbringing of children and self-education. The article analyzes the role and significance of the Jeti ata traditions in Kazakh culture on the basis of historical data, literary works and scientific works on the laws and customs of the Kazakh
people in connection with the Jeti ata traditions.