Purpose: The purpose of the article is to identify psychological mechanisms for the realization and transfer of traditional knowledge, to identify mechanisms for changing and preserving folk traditions as the core of ethnic culture. Research methods: The methodological basis of the research is an integrated approach that includes complementary methods, the main of which are comparative analysis of scientific sources, interview, questionnaire. Results: The article presents the results of the analysis of public opinion in relation to the traditions of Kyrgyz nomads and modern folk traditions, as well as an analysis of the mechanisms of changes in folk traditions and the attitude of the people to the revival of lost traditions. There are elements of universal and national values in the social experience of every nation. Every people, every nation is guided by the values accepted by this community in matters of educating the younger generation. Originality: The research revealed that the main factors of changes in Kyrgyz traditions are the transformation of socio-economic circumstances in the country and the transition to a settled way of life (the end of the XIX century) and collective labor in collective farms (the beginning of the XX century). The transformation of folk traditions, which occurred as a result of changes in socio-economic conditions, led to the transformation of the mentality and value orientations of the people.