There are about fifteen official holidays in Kazakhstan. But there are only three of this great amount that are very popular, widely celebrated amd loved by the Kazakhstan women. They are: the New Year, 8 March, and Nauryz ? Central Asia nations' celebration of spring. Women of Kazakhstan wait and thoroughly prepare for each of these holidays, when they can give presents and receive gifts from all of the close people and friends.

The NEW YEAR is the biggest and greatest holiday for the whole post-Soviet region. It is the most bright and marvelous holidayin the year. People start getting ready for the celebrations at the beginning of December, while in cities bright lights and evergreen -trees begin to appear, creating a festive holiday atmosphere and a good mood. It is a time for great joy for family and friends and time for discounts in shops, yet hardly anyone thinks about its history.

The holiday has its roots in the ancient period. The occasion, originally, was not celebrated in December, and in different countries New Year was held in different times. But one thing all the states had in common was that almost everywhere the New Year began in spring, symbolizing the rebirth of nature, crops and labor. In Russia, from 10th to 15th century the New Year began on March the 1st. But later in 1699, Peter the First has ordered that the New Year would be celebrated on January 1st. From this time, the Russian traditions of decorating New Year's tree and wishing happiness began. By the way Peter the First said that that the celebrations should be dedicated to children.

The main reason for starting the new year in March was because that was how things have been done since creation. At the end of 15th century, the Orthodox Church designated September 1st as the new year and the last time when it was celebrated on this date was in 1698, although there still exist some places, where according to the Orthodox Church - September 1st is the beginning of new year, and January 1st is just a civil holiday.

Peter's the First goal in changing the date of the new year to the 1st of January was to align the Russian calendar with those of the countries in Europe. Right after the original New Year there comes another celebration for the CIS people, called the Old New Year, which takes place on night from 13th to 14th of January. Even here, in CIS many people don't know the real reason why they still celebrate the Old New Year. They just do it because of the tradition and because there is a common belief that on this day you've got to say good bye to the year that has passed, and try to remember your lucks and misfortunes, preparing to live the new year that you already welcomed, in the best way you can. However, the real reason why people celebrate it is because very long ago, the Orthodox Church has refused to accept the new style calendar based on Julian calendar.

MARCH 8TH Another holiday celebrated in Kazakhstan and its neighboring CIS countries is MARCH 8TH. It's an important holiday because it is dedicated to ladies!

On the Former Soviet Union territory the 8 of March is considered to be an INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY. Here, people dedicate this holiday to the whole female population of the world. Annually, this bright date involves everyone and keeps everybody busy in the country of Kazakhstan! This day women feel themselves like the queens. They accept gifts and greetings from their sons, boyfriends, fathers, nephews and brothers. And all the men are also very happy on this day, because it's a real chance for them to show all their care and love to ladies. Historically, this holiday is a day of women's solidarity in the battle for economic, social and political equal rights. The decision on annual celebration of International Women's day in every country of the world was accepted in 1910 on the International conference of female socialists in Copenhagen. Firstly, it was provided in the row of European countries in 1911 and than, in 1913 in Russia. Nevertheless, the tradition of celebrating this event was only kept in the Soviet Union and still is widely celebrated in this area. On the 8th of March guys give flowers to all the females they know. What kind of presents they usually make depends on how much close the woman is for them. Traditionally, they give tulips for ladies, so as it symbolizes the beginning of spring, something new and vivid. While talking about their sweethearts, men try be as generous as possible in order to make his lady feel like a princess, because this day is dedicated especially for her.

Another warm, bright and joyful holiday celebrated in sunny Kazakhstan is NAURYZ. This is also one of the ancient traditions of Central Asia originated nations. They consider March 22nd as the beginning of new year. During this holiday people praise the Universe and the nature. In this period everybody try to be friendly and gentle with each other. This event is a celebration of the ever-lasting unity of a human-being with the nature. All and all, Nauryz symbolizes the freedom and equality of all people on earth.

This holiday appeared long time ago, when the religions and the nationalities didn't exist yet. The Nauryz represents a lot of the morals and ethics established by the humanity long ago, in a pre religious epoch. In our days this holiday makes people think of clarification from evil and hatred, calls them for forgiveness. In the old times, on this day all the clashes between tribes were stopped. The 22nd of March is the day of equinox, when the night duration is equal to the day length. From this time the original natural day countdown cycle starts again. It's great and unbelieveable at the same time that the ancient people have chosen this day a holiday with such a great sense! The inhabitants of Kazakhstan villages and suburban areas prefer celebrating Nauryz in the old way. They do sports and singing competitions and play intellectual games. The traditional dish "Nauryz-kozhe" is cooked from 7 kinds of crops symbolizes richness, well-being, prosperity and generosity of the mother-nature. On Nauryz people give souvenirs, sweets and flowers to each other.

The holidays that came from Europe like the SAINT VALENTINE'S DAY and Halloween are also loved by Kazakhstan people. Those two are considered to be as fashionable and widely spread among the younger generations, so as entered this culture not so long ago. Ultimately, all of these holidays are pompously held and celebrated among all of the nations, living in Kazakhstan.