Betashar
The Kazakh and Kyrgyz song in which the bride's face is unveiled before the groom's family.
Also: beta ashar, bet ashar, unveiling the bride
In the betashar, the bride is presented to the groom's relatives at the groom's home, while a singer, often accompanying himself on the dombra, sings verses that instruct her on how to behave and greet each elder in turn. At the end of the song, the veil that has covered her face is lifted. It is a formal introduction and farewell to the bride's maiden life. The custom has been maintained in rural Kazakhstan and by the Kyrgyz and has been revived in towns for the wedding.
Region: Central Asia and the Caucasus