Springtime brings Azerbaijan not only pleasantly warm breezes, deliciously longer days and the beautiful flowers, but also one of the most bright and happy holidays -- Novruz Bayram.
Celebrated on March 21, this holiday honors the arrival of spring and is loved by both children and adults. Novruz is one of the most popular holidays in Azerbaijan as this expresses the nation’s values and traditions; families gather together, bake pastries, play Novruz games, and enjoy many other activities.
Novruz has four symbols: water, fire, wind and land and each of these symbols is celebrated during four Tuesdays prior to Novruz. These Novruz Tuesdays are named Su Chershenbesi, Od Chershenbesi , Yel Chershenbesi and Akhir or Torpaq Chershenbesi.
Water purifies and stirs, fire, soil and wind awaken the nature, and trees begin to blossom, and all these symbolize the coming of spring.
March 15 celebrates the last Chershenbe before Novruz -- Land Tuesday, a symbol of awakening and e beginning of field work.
Earth is like a nurse to the entire world, and all the creatures of the Almighty, including humans, can find a place there. It feeds humans, and its awakening after a frosty winter means the awakening and rebirth of all living creatures.
In each of these Tuesdays or as it’s called here Chershenbe people light bonfires across the country. According to the popular belief, everyone from young to old should jump seven times over the fire to give all the hardships of winter to it.
Novruz is also full of curious and entertaining auguries. Divinations in the Last Chershenbe is another interesting tradition of the holiday. Although people do not take this tradition seriously, they're still keen to keep the ancient ceremony alive, a link to the country's rich history.
The divination on the ring is among the most popular traditions among young unmarried girls. Placing a glass or dish of water into the middle, girls gather around it. Then, each girl, in turn, tear off one hair from their head and put it on the ring. They knock three times on the bottom of the cup with the ring and then lift it on the surface of the glass. By the number of times the ring will be knocking on the glass’ wall, girls determine the age they will reach when they get married.
Another interesting tradition of the Last Chershenbe is when young girls and boys overhear their neighbors’ doors before the dark comes, a tradition also known as a “Gulag faly”. Before approaching the door they make a wish. If they hear something positive it means that their wishes will come true, if not -- they should wait a little longer to see their heart's desires fulfilled.
Novruz, associated with many traditions, is an old holiday reflecting the culture, national and spiritual values of Azerbaijani people. This most cherished holiday of the Azerbaijanis has an ancient history, which is linked to Zoroastrianism, the oldest of the monotheist religions.
The joyous festival of spring it’s celebrated for more than 3,000 years in the Caucasus, the Balkans, the Black Sea basin, Central Asia and Near East.
The decoration of the festive table is khoncha, which includes a big tray with Semeni, freshly sprouted wheat and a symbol of hope for an abundant harvest in the coming year. The tray is placed in the center with candles and dyed eggs by the number of family members around it. The candles are lit and must not be blown out ahead of time.
azernews.az