The birth of a child among the Kyrgyz, like among other peoples of the world, is an indescribable joy and the greatest celebration. After the baby is named, the "Beshik toy" — the lullaby celebration — begins. Guests are invited. Livestock is slaughtered, a dastorkhon (tablecloth) is spread, boorsoks (fried dough) are prepared, and meat is boiled in large cauldrons. The komuz (a traditional musical instrument) plays, and cheerful songs are sung...
According to custom, the parents on the mother's side are obliged to prepare a cradle as a mandatory attribute for the baby. The cradle is oiled and smoked with juniper. Noble grandmothers take left and right "alchiks" (small items or toys), place them in the cradle, and rock it from side to side. The alchiks fall into the "kultuk" (a hole at the bottom of the cradle), and the grandmothers say: "On bol" (may he be lucky).
Then they utter the words: "Mother-beshik, hold tight, mother-Umai, grant sleep" (Umai is a mythical female being that protects infants) and cover the cradle with various blankets and covers. The cradle is then handed over to the mother. Holding the cradle, she walks to the threshold and back, bowing to all the guests.
The invited guests bless the mother and child. The happy mother utters the first soothing words: "Aldey-aldey ak bёbyok, ak beshikke jat boyok" (Lullaby, my sweet one, sleep in the cradle, my little one).
