Nowruz-bairam is an ancient holiday celebrated by residents of many countries of Asia and several regions of Russia. Its date is March 21st. This is the vernal equinox. In addition, according to the astronomical solar calendar, which is officially used in Afghanistan and Iran, Nowruz Bayram is the first day in the new year.
Celebrated in the spring. It symbolizes the renewal of man and nature. Nowruz is translated from Farsi as "a new day."
History of occurrence
Nowruz-bayram is one of the oldest holidays that existed in the history of mankind. In Persia (modern Iran), as well as in Central Asia, it began to be celebrated a very long time ago, even before the seventh century BC. Due to the deep historical roots of the holiday, its exact origin is unknown.
The traditions of Navruz are associated with the name of the founder of the religion of Zoroastrianism, the prophet Zarathustra, as well as with the cult of fire and the Sun. The most ancient source where this holiday is mentioned is the scripture of the Zoroastrianism of the Avesta. It says that in the spring it is necessary to celebrate the emergence of life.
The holiday of Nowruz Bayram is also associated with the reign of Shah Jamshid. The poets sang this legendary ruler in the poem "Shahname." It is also believed that it was on this day that the hero of Siyavush, who was killed by the Turanian Afrasiyab, was buried.
They say about the holiday and Turkic legends. They mention this day as the date of the appearance of the Turkic people from the mythical place of Altai - Ergenekon.
Where is Navruz celebrated?
The peoples of Afghanistan and Iran celebrate this day most vividly and widely. According to the official calendars of these countries, a new year is coming with his arrival.
At the same time, Navruz is a holiday of spring. On March 21, the length of the day is equalized with the night, and then gradually overtakes it. Spring is finally coming into its own. This holiday marks the beginning of the field suffering, which is the care and hope of the farmers. That is why Navruz Bayram is a celebration not only of the beginning of the new year, but also of agricultural work.
This day is celebrated in Tajikistan and Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, Turkey and India, Macedonia and Albania, Kyrgyzstan and in certain regions of the Russian Federation (Bashkiria and the North Caucasus, Tatarstan and Crimea). In the Arab countries, the vernal equinox is not celebrated.
The timing
Spring ceremonies are celebrated according to the solar calendar, which is called the ancient Iranian (shamsi). In it, the first days of each month coincide with the new moons. Moreover, these dates are shifted annually by ten to eleven days. The holiday begins when the solar disk enters the constellation Aries. Previously, this moment was determined by stargazers - munadjims - people of a very revered profession in the East. This event is currently calculated by astronomers and indicated on the calendar to the minute. In addition, this moment is notified on television and radio.
In Afghanistan and Iran, the holiday of Nowruz Bayram is official. At the same time, the first five days in the new year, as well as the thirteenth, are non-working. In other countries, Navruz is a folk festival. However, in fact, it is the same everywhere. This is the day of the solemn and joyful meeting of spring.
Ceremonies
The tradition of celebrating the vernal equinox varies only slightly from one country to another, as well as from region to region. Residents of various states pronounce its names a little differently. So, in Iran it is Nouruz, in Afghanistan - Novruz, in Iran and Turkey - Nevruz.
This holiday has a significant difference from our New Year. It is celebrated not at night, but in the light of day. However, as with us, this is a family event. When the solemn moment comes, everyone should be at home at the festive table. The whole family will certainly get together to meet Nowruz. Traditions include the presence on the festive table, in addition to dishes, seven items. Moreover, their names must necessarily begin with the letter ācā. Their list includes ruta (sepand), greens of
sprouted grains (saben), garlic (sir), apples (sib), vinegar (sirke), thyme (satar), wild olives (sindzhid). In the middle of the table is necessarily a large loaf, called a sangak, there is also a vessel with water in which a green leaf floats, as well as plates on which painted eggs lie.
All dishes must certainly emphasize the agricultural orientation of the Spring Festival. For example, eggs, greens, and bread symbolize fertility.
The celebration of Navruz in the countryside begins with laying a furrow. At the same time, the most respected resident is behind the plow. He throws some grain into the first furrow. Only after this can all field work begin - harrowing, plowing, sowing, etc.
Thirteenth Day Celebration
For Tajiks, Persians and Hazaras (the people of Afghanistan), this day is called "Sizdeh Bedar." Translated, this means "Thirteen at the gate." Citizens on this day visit gardens and parks, travel with cheerful companies outside the city. Peasants overlook groves and meadows. They bring sweets to these picnics to make the year happy.
The main traditions of Navruz
Before the beginning of the new year, it is customary to arrange general cleaning in the house, as well as to update the wardrobe of all family members. Those who celebrate the holiday of Navruz Bayram, before the vernal equinox should pay all debts, forgive insults and make peace with detractors.
According to the existing tradition, before the New Year a fire festival is held. It passes in a rather unusual way. On the last Tuesday of the year, fires are lit in the streets. This happens after sunset. By tradition, everyone jumps through the fire - children and adults.
During the celebration, the table should have vases with flowers and candles, mirrors and fruits, as well as a variety of dishes, such as pilaf. According to the traditions of the Afghan people, a special compote called Haftmeva is being prepared for Navruz. It contains fruits of almonds and pistachios, light and dark raisins, walnuts and sanged. Kazakhs put a special dish on the festive table - nauryz to the skin. It also has seven components: water and flour, meat and butter, milk and cereals, salt. There are several recipes for this dish. In this regard, each hostess prepares it differently.
According to the existing tradition, during the New Year celebrations, the dead are remembered, and in the early days of Navruz friends and parents visit.