2. Read the text again and answer the questions. 1) How did Kazakh nomads tell that spring had begun in ancient times? 2) When is the official public holiday of Nauryz in Kazakhstan? 3) What do people do in preparation for Nauryz? 4) Why is a clean house important for the celebration of Nauryz? 5) What do people eat during this national holiday? What is its significance?

In ancient times, Kazakh nomads understood that spring had begun by observing nature: the snow started melting, the weather became warmer, grass began to grow, animals became more active, and birds returned. These signs showed that a new season and a new life cycle had started.

The official public holiday of Nauryz in Kazakhstan is celebrated in March. The main day is 22 March, but in Kazakhstan Nauryz is usually celebrated as a public holiday from 21 to 23 March.

In preparation for Nauryz, people clean their houses, yards and streets, prepare festive food, decorate their homes, wear traditional clothes, visit relatives and friends, and organize celebrations with music, games and performances. People also try to forgive each other and start the new year with good thoughts.

A clean house is important because Nauryz symbolizes renewal, purity and a fresh beginning. People believe that if the house is clean, the new year will bring happiness, health, peace and good luck. Cleaning also means leaving behind old problems and welcoming a better future.

During Nauryz, people eat traditional Kazakh dishes. The most important dish is Nauryz kozhe. It is usually made from seven ingredients, such as water, meat, salt, milk or yoghurt, grain, flour or noodles, and butter. The number seven is significant because it represents luck, abundance, harmony and the main elements of life. People believe that eating Nauryz kozhe brings prosperity and blessings for the coming year.