The four Tuesdays before Novruz are named after the four elements: water, fire, wind and earth. According to legend, God created man from earth and water, gave him warmth and ordered the wind to wake him up. These Tuesdays are, therefore, considered sacred.
Each Tuesday has its own traditions. The last Tuesday, “Torpaq Çərşənbəsi” or Earth Tuesday, is a special day as it is close to the Novruz holiday.
This Tuesday evening is considered as the most festive with candles on the table, dishes cooked and sweets prepared. People are celebrating the awakening of earth on this day.
Novruz is an ancient holiday symbolizing the coming of spring, it means “New Day”.
Novruz is celebrated on the day of vernal equinox (March 20, 21 or 22). A number of nations attributed coming of spring to the revival of nature, held festivities and celebrated it as the beginning of the new year. Beginning from ancient times, along with Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and some other eastern people, Azerbaijani Turks have also been celebrating the coming of spring – new year.
On September 30, 2009, Novruz was included into UNESCO’s List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. On February 23, 2010, UN declared March 21 the International Day of Novruz.
This holiday is solemnly celebrated in Azerbaijan. Festivities are held on this occasion in the country.
APA