20 March 2010, 12:00
Azerbaijan start celebrating Novruz Bairam
Today, people in Azerbaijan start celebrating Novruz Bairam - a holiday of spring and New Year. In antiquity in the East, March 21-22 were considered to be the first days of New Year which came in spring. This year, according to the Shemakha Astrophysical Observatory, in the territory of Azerbaijan the spring arrives on March 20 at 9:31 p.m.
The history of the holiday goes with roots deep into the Zoroastrianism epoch and has to do with the day of spring equinox. The holiday symbolizes awakening of the land and its readiness for the crop, and also awakening of all living creatures.
In Turkic nations, the arrival of spring was personified in the victory of the light over the darkness. In memory of all the deceased and as tribute to former generations, candles are lit up on the Novruz. In some areas of Azerbaijan, the custom is still alive to light candles on tombs of perished ancestors, although in Islam it is not accepted.
An essential part of celebratory fun has to do with games and dramatized actions - performances of rope-walkers, athletes and humorists. The most widespread customs are fortunetelling and visiting families for gathering sweets.
On the eve of a holiday, according to tradition, it is necessary to visit the tombs of perished relatives, patients and needy people. Brides are given special presents - Bairamlygs.
In Soviet time Novruz was considered to be a religious and nationalist holiday. For a long time it was forbidden in Azerbaijan.
Author: Faik Medzhid Source: CK correspondent
