Novruz is one of the oldest holidays, symbolizing the parish of spring, updating of nature and a new life cycle.
It is celebrated on March 21 on the day of the spring equinox and is an important cultural and spiritual tradition for the Turkic world, as well as the countries of the Caucasus and Iran.
Novruz is rooted in ancient times. It is believed that it began to be celebrated even more than 5 thousand years ago. On this day, the sun reaches its spring point, marked by the equality of day and night.
Each Turkic -speaking people has its own traditions of this holiday. The main idea is a meeting of spring after a hard winter.
Novruz in Azerbaijan: a holiday of awakening nature and traditions
A month before the holiday, in every Azerbaijani house a small symbol of spring appears – sprouted wheat, seed.
The housewives carefully pour the grains into the plate, cover them with wet gauze and patiently wait until the first green sprouts appear – the precursors of spring and new life. This rite symbolizes the revival of nature, abundance and hope for a good harvest.
However, preparation for the holiday is not limited only to the cultivation of the seed. The house is cleaned of everything old in order to enter Novruz with pure thoughts and updated energy. Fragrant sweets are baked, and lights are lit on the streets.
One of the most exciting customs in Azerbaijan is a bonfire jump. In the evening before the holiday, bonfires are kindled in every yard, and each family member jumps over the flame, saying the words:
“My troubles – into the fire, my happiness – to me!”
It is believed that this ritual cleanses of negativity, misfortunes and diseases, helping to enter the New Year with a light heart.
In addition, Novruz in Azerbaijan is not just a feast, but a real folk walk with music, dancing and entertainment. Ashugi and Hannde – folk singers perform ancient melodies and fill the holiday with a magical atmosphere. Covences – demonstrate dexterity and skill, speaking in the squares. And they are pokhrevo (folk fighters) – compete in strength and dexterity.
Kazakhstan
The Kazakhs have their own legends associated with Novruz. According to one of them, on the night of March 21-22, Kydyr-Ata bypasses the Earth, who carries happiness, prosperity and prosperity to the house.
For nomads, the change of seasons of the year was of great importance, among which the most difficult was the winter, which was massively hunger for every five to six years. Therefore, the meeting of Novruz was accompanied by the preparation of all kinds of dishes, various rituals and rituals were carried out.
Now in Kazakhstan Novruz is a public holiday celebrated from March 21 to 23. The cities host folk fairs, theatrical performances, horse games (Kokpar), national fights in the fight and exhibitions of the yurt. The main dish of the holiday is Nauryz of the skin. It is prepared from seven ingredients symbolizing well -being, health and abundance. It includes water, meat, milk, salt, butter, flour and cereal. In different countries, recipes may differ, but the number of ingredients is always seven, since this figure is considered sacred.