A Holiday in Ismayilli

 

Novruz is one of the celebrations in our region.

What is Novruz?

Novruz is green samani (wheat grass), colored eggs, sweets and bonfires. Novruz is a National Holiday in Azerbaijan. Novruz means a new day. Novruz is one of the oldest holidays in the world. People celebrate Novruz as the birthday of nature and life. The people of Ismailli celebrate Novruz on the 21^st of March. On this day the sun crosses the eguator and lightens the whole planet. We also call it “Spring Holiday”.  They celebrate spring holidays in Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and in Bulgaria too. There are four pre-holidays, the Tuesdays before Novruz. They all have got their own names. The first Tuesday is Water, the second Tuesday is Fire, the third Tuesday is Air and the fourth Tuesday is Earth. On these Tuesday we organize celebrations with our closest friends. Everybody must talk about good and pleasant things. Mothers cook plov. Children jump over the bonfires. Novruz rituals are very interesting. Parents usually have gifts for their children. They buy new clothing and sweets. Nature changes its clothing and people do the same. Azeri people clean and decorate houses, yards, streets and squares. It is the time for charity too. People make khonchas (a tray of sweets) and give them to the needy people. There is always pakhlava, shakarbura, gogal, sweets, biscuits, nuts, dry fruit, raisins and a big samani in the middle of khonchas. Candles around khonchas burn and lighten them. The Spring Maiden comes on the 21^st of March. She wears a national costume. She travels on a phaeton with horses. The spring Maiden decorates her phaeton with flowers, red ribbons and balls. There’s  a show with “Kosa(the bearded)” and “Kechal (the bald)”. They take part in Novruz celebrations too. They look very funny in their costumes. They make people laugh with their tricks. And then they ask for treats. In the evening children go to their neighbor’s houses, knock on the door, throw a hat, and run and hide.  The people in the house then put candy or sweets in their hat.  This looks like the Halloween tradition of Trick or Treat in America. We send greeting cards to our relatives. We also visit our grandparents. We congratulate everybody and say “I wish you a Happy Holiday!”