Girls help their mothers with the housework and learn how to embroider. Rural Karachay women take pride in their long, thick hair, but always keep their heads covered with scarves when in public. Young girls keep their hair cut very short until they are about seven years old. They believe that this will cause their hair to grow back thick and strong. Traditional forms of art include decorated felt, and gold stitching and weaving for clothing.
Music is also a very important part of their lives.
They have songs for work, songs for a hunt, and songs to accompany the beating of the felt. However, many of their traditional pagan beliefs have been intermingled with Islam. The people believe in evil spirits, and pagan sacrifices and rituals are often performed. For example, sacrificial offerings are made when driving cattle to pasture, and special ceremonies are held to bring rain or sun. Magical techniques and spells are used for healing, but the Muslim Koran is read to a dying person.