Lazgi
Lazgi is called a divine melody. When divine music is played, the human body wants to move and dance on its own. There is divine soulfulness in lazgi, there is love, joy, enthusiasm and courage in lazgi. The second name of lazgi means life.
Words by: Guzal Khamida Kamol
Developed for two millennia in Khorezm and now a beloved tradition across Uzbekistan, lazgi (sometimes spelled lyazgi) is a form of dance that is joyous and fiery. In December 2019, lazgi was officially inscribed on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. According to UNESCO, “The movements of lazgi encapsulate human creativity by reflecting the sounds and phenomena of surrounding nature, feelings of love and happiness.”
Lazgi is full of legend and myth, mostly about the origins of the universe and humanity. Ancient Greek historian Herodotus focused his writings on the melody of lazgi music and the religious rites associated with it. He wrote that the Saka (Sak-Massaget) tribes who lived in Central Asia and the Khorezm region celebrated sunrise with these rituals.
The music and dance of lazgi has such mysterious powers that it awakens in people a desire to live and enjoy life. The origin of lazgi dates is believed to date back several thousand years, and its music and dances tell folk tales of love and life. In various centuries Central Asia, including Khorezm, was conquered by invaders: the ancient Persians, Greeks, Arabs, Mongols and Russians. Despite this, the Khorezmian lazgi was such a deeply ingrained part of the local culture that it withstood centuries of outside influence and changing powers.
Before Islam entered Central Asia, the local population largely adhered to Zoroastrianism religion, which considers the four elements of earth, water, air and fire as sacred. These elements are kept as pure and uncontaminated as possible. Lazgi was performed mainly in temples, around bonfires, to welcome the rising sun. After Islam spread across Central Asia, Zoroastrianism declined, but many Zoroastrian rituals survived in everyday tasks and cultural systems. Including lazgi.
Lazgi music begins with a peaceful melody, building in slow and pleasant tones. It sounds like the sun rising over the horizon and slowly waking the world up with its light and warm rays. The rhythm of the music quickens as Mother Nature, who loves the warmth and light of the sun, smiles, sings and dances to express her love. Once the sun has risen, the joy of the Earth pours out, flowers move towards the sunlight, butterflies and bees buzz from flower to flower, birds chirp and rainbows glisten in fountain waters. And then, when the sun sets below the horizon once again, the world rests in the darkness of night.
Lazgi is distinguished by its special shaking, snapping and jumping movements – the word ‘lazgi’ itself means ‘shiver’ or ‘tremble’. Dancers also often use kairok, or stone castanets, to create rhythmic clicking as they move. The movements are said to reflect the love between the sun and the Earth. Dancers greet the first rays of daylight by raising their hands to the sky. Fingers first, then palms, wrists, shoulders and chest, slowly undulating, twisting and shaking, as if awakening as the sun's rays warm the body. A smile of joy appears on the dancer's face and the movements become more joyous.
The fact that the art of lazgi has survived for millennia speaks to its importance and cultural power. Within its vibrant movements and bright sounds is the rich experience of Khorezmian life.
