Navruz Bayram is an ancient holiday celebrated by residents of many Asian countries and several regions of Russia. The date of its holding is the twenty-first of March. This is the day of the spring equinox. In addition, according to the astronomical solar calendar, which is officially used in Afghanistan and Iran, Nowruz Bayram is the first day of the new year.
The holiday is celebrated in the spring. It symbolizes the renewal of man and nature. Nowruz is translated from Farsi as “new day”.
History of origin
Navruz 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 prophet Zarathustra, as well as with the cult of fire and the Sun. The most ancient source where this holiday is mentioned is the sacred scripture of Zoroastrianism, the Avesta. It is in it that it is necessary to celebrate the emergence of life in spring.
The Navruz Bayram holiday is also associated with the reign of Shah Jamshid. The poets sang of this legendary ruler in the poem “Shahnameh”. It is also believed that it was on this day that the hero Siyavush, killed by the Turanian Afrasiyab, was buried.
Turkic legends also talk about the holiday. They mention this day as the date of the appearance of the Turkic people from the mythical place of Altai - Ergenekon.
Where is Nowruz celebrated?
This day is celebrated most vividly and widely by the peoples of Afghanistan and Iran. According to the official calendars of these countries, with its arrival a new year begins.
At the same time, Navruz is a spring holiday. It is the length of the day that becomes equal to the night, and then gradually overtakes it. Spring is finally coming into its own. This holiday marks the beginning of the field harvest, which is the care and hope of farmers. That is why Navruz Bayram is a celebration of not only the beginning of the new year, but also 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 Arab countries, the vernal equinox is not celebrated.
Deadlines
Spring rites 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, every year these dates shift by ten to eleven days. The holiday begins when the solar disk enters. Previously, this moment was determined by astrologers - munadgijims - people of a very revered profession in the East. Currently, this event is calculated by astronomers and indicated on the calendar with an accuracy of the minute. In addition, this moment is announced on television and radio.
In Afghanistan and Iran, Nowruz Bayram is an official holiday. In this case, the first five days of the new year, as well as the thirteenth, are non-working days. In other countries, Nowruz is a national festival. However, in essence, it is the same everywhere. This is a day of solemn and joyful welcoming of spring.
Rituals
Celebration traditions vary only slightly from one country to another, as well as from region to region. Residents of different countries pronounce its name slightly differently. So, in Iran it is Noruz, in Afghanistan - Nowruz, 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, like us, this is a family event. When the solemn moment arrives, everyone should be at home at the festive table. The whole family certainly gets together to celebrate Navruz. Traditions provide for the presence on the festive table, in addition to foods, of seven items. Moreover, their names must begin with the letter “s”. Their list includes rue (sepand), greens (saben), garlic (sir), apples (sib), vinegar (serke), thyme (satar), wild olives (sinjid). In the middle of the table there is always 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 colored eggs lie.
All dishes must certainly emphasize the agricultural focus of the spring holiday. For example, an egg, greens and bread symbolize fertility.
The celebration of Nowruz in rural areas begins with the laying of 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.
Celebration of the thirteenth day
Tajiks, Persians and Hazaras (the people of Afghanistan) call this day “Sizdeh Bedar”. Translated, it means “Thirteen at the Gate.” On this day, citizens visit gardens and parks and travel outside the city in cheerful groups. The peasants go out into the groves and meadows. Sweets are brought to these picnics to ensure a happy year.
Basic traditions of Nowruz
Before the start of the New Year, it is customary to do a thorough cleaning of the house, as well as update the wardrobe of all family members. Those who celebrate the holiday of Navruz Bayram must repay all debts, forgive grievances and make peace with ill-wishers before the spring equinox.
According to existing tradition, a fire festival is held before the New Year. It happens in a rather unusual way. On the last Tuesday of the year, bonfires are lit in the streets. This happens after. According to tradition, everyone jumps through the fire - children and adults.
During the celebration, there should be vases with flowers and candles, mirrors and fruits on the table, as well as a variety of dishes, such as pilaf. According to the traditions of the Afghan people, a special compote called haftmeva is prepared for Nowruz. It contains almonds and pistachios, light and dark raisins, walnuts and senjed. Kazakhs put a special dish on the festive table - nauryz kozhe. It also contains seven components: water and flour, meat and butter, milk and cereals, and salt. There are several recipes for preparing this dish. In this regard, each housewife prepares it differently.
According to the existing tradition, during the New Year celebrations the dead are commemorated, and in the first days of Nowruz they visit friends and parents.
Many people have heard of such a holiday as Navruz. This does not just mean the beginning of a new year according to the solar calendar, it is a true renewal, the spring equinox and simply a new life. Navruz is celebrated by Iranians and Turks, and for many years this date has been celebrated in Moscow. Officially, in 2019, Navruz falls on March 21, is considered a public holiday in different countries, and is classified as a weekend.
Usually the holiday is celebrated on March 21, but it also happens differently, in Kazakhstan it is a day later, and among the Uzbeks the event stretches for 13 days. At this time, people visit each other, buy seedlings, prepare delicacies, share news, and support their close circle in various ways. Obviously, the more interesting you spend 13 days, the better each new month will be. At this time, everyone is focusing on good deeds, helping neighbors, treating the homeless, feeding stray animals, and giving gifts to those who need it.
Back in 2009, Navruz was included in the list of cultural heritage; it is an intangible asset, and therefore is an international day. At the moment, the holiday is considered quite ancient, it was celebrated until the 7th century BC. It was considered an unusual day on which sellers closed their outlets and artisans did not touch anything. Free time, joyful, associated with the worship of the Sun and the glorification of the prophet Zarathustra. Navruz has a connection with the advent of a calendar for farmers. Before the holiday comes, they clean the house thoroughly, get rid of old things, and do laundry, especially for children's clothes. On the eve of the holiday, you need to adhere to fasting and also control your emotions. The kids preferred to walk quietly around the house these days. The girls were preparing cakes, everyone was happy and treated each other to delicacies.
Navruz announces the renewal of spring, and accordingly, it is greeted with dances, songs, competitions and an abundance of food. According to ancient tradition, in order to enter the New Year clean, even carpets were cleaned a couple of days before the holiday. At the same time, it should be said about the purity of the soul, it is recommended to fulfill all promises, forgive ill-wishers, ask for forgiveness from the one who was offended, and leave debts in the past.
What should be on the table?
Since this is a real holiday, it is customary to this day to prepare a lot of food. Since ancient times, Navruz cakes have been made from cereals, in particular barley, corn, wheat, and sometimes sesame, peas, rice and lentils are added. Sprouted wheat sprouts are also relevant. The essence of this holiday lies in meeting spring and glorifying the sun. Bread is associated with the sun. On Navruz, everyone dresses up in something new and beautiful, unusual dishes appear on the table, and this is a family holiday. According to tradition, at least 7 dishes should be prepared.
Depending on the state, in addition to the 7 dishes, 7 items symbolizing tribute to the sun should be used. Be sure to place a mirror and candles in the same quantity as the number of guests gathered in the house. Candles are not extinguished until the fire melts them on its own. Current attributes are bread, green leaf water, rose water, fruits, nuts, fish, curdled milk, dairy products, rooster, eggs and cheese. In the old days, any item had a semantic content that contributed to a good harvest. At the moment, tradition is ordinary historical facts.
It happens that a holiday is not complete without pilaf. They place him in the center and everyone eats the porridge together. Moreover, where Navruz is celebrated, national dishes should be served, as well as delicacies that are not part of the daily diet. It turns out that Navruz has several similarities with the New Year. Everyone who visits the house on holiday is given a sprouted sprout, which the owners eat to revive life and renew their future.
Due to the fact that Navruz became one of the ancient holidays with a hidden meaning, it managed to acquire various rituals, although their meaning was lost in the past. But no one forgot about the number 7, even the feast itself is an example of this. Not only should you use at least 7 dishes, it is important that their names begin with “S” and “W”.
One cannot help but mention Sumalak, that is, a dish popular among Uzbeks, Tajiks, and Azerbaijanis. It is prepared in advance 7-10 days before the official date, since selected wheat grains should be soaked in a large container. Place a clean cloth on top and leave it in a warm place, as the wheat needs to germinate. The longer the sprouts are, the better the harvest will be in the new year. On the eve of the holiday, the grains are poured into a metal, sometimes stone mortar, and thoroughly pounded, resulting in a homogeneous paste. All this is transferred to a large cauldron, water and flour are added, the dish is cooked for a long time over low heat. It takes 10-12 hours until it’s ready, the main thing is to do everything before dawn, before Navruz arrives. According to tradition, only girls prepare the dish; the process is inaccessible to men. The dish is sweet, although not cloying, somewhat reminiscent of liquid chocolate. Sumalak carries a special semantic content, so they should be treated not only to the family, but also to everyone who is nearby.
As for the Bashkirs, Kazakhs and Tatars, they cannot do without baursaks. A classic dish that is served on holidays, but on Navruz it is a completely special treat. In general, we are talking about a piece of dough fried in oil, and each nation uses an individual recipe. Some believe that the delicacy should be sweet, others sprinkle it with molasses and honey, but basically the dough is put out the day before the appointed date, and it is prepared by women under the supervision of an older relative.
On Navruz, girls often tell fortunes; young virgins try to find a groom. When baking a pie, you should put a ring in the dough, sometimes a clove, a coin, a button, an earring, a key, etc. When eating sweets, something will come across to the hostess and will carry a certain semantic content. For example, a ring promises marriage, and a bead promises pregnancy. Carnations are for sadness, and keys are for inheritance, and so on. Usually, when a small cake is provided, 2 items will be enough. Gingerbread and other sweets are also often baked.
Neighbors' conversations are periodically overheard, and the topic becomes predetermining for the new year. You can try to tell fortunes about the harvest, predict what it will be like. Elderly women collected grains, uttered special words for a good harvest, then put them in a bag and hid it in the house, and it was a talisman for a whole year.
Modern celebration of Nowruz
We need to pay maximum attention to the younger generation, because after the meal the kids go home and try to collect a lot of sweets. You can’t scold kids for anything; they have fun until the night. On the streets you can meet actors in disguise, singing songs, reading poetry, and so on. The celebration lasts until the morning, it is always noisy and fun. Traditions are somewhat reminiscent. It would be nice to go outside the city, hug the trees, lie on the grass. They say that this is how people become saturated with energy and gain strength. Folk legends note that this is an important rule, since nature bestows harvest, life, inspiration, and man thanks her for almost everything. For fun, horse racing or cock and dog fights are organized. Some nations still honor such unusual traditions.
During the holiday, you should never swear or remember old grievances. In addition, it is not recommended to plunge your thoughts into past memories. No one works on this day; it is better to pay attention to preparing delicacies. Old clothes need to be put aside in order to put on a new outfit.
A fire festival is definitely organized; it is held in an unusual way. On the last Tuesday of the outgoing year, you need to light a big fire. This is best done after the sun has set. People of different ages, even children, jump over the fire.
As for the table, flower vases, candles, fruits, mirrors and many different dishes appear on it. Afghans prefer to cook compote, which is called haftmewa. It contains pistachios, almonds, different types of raisins, walnuts and senjedah. But the Kazakhs focus on nauryz leather. This includes flour, water, butter, meat, salt, milk and cereal. There are several recipes, so owners get different results. According to tradition, during Navruz they commemorate dead people; in the first days they visit friends and relatives.
No matter how you feel about the nationalities that are relevant for Navruz, you can join such an unusual and joyful holiday in the future. In its essence, it praises nature, human labor, and world beauty. The main goal is to encourage people to take care of nature and harmony among themselves!
The traditional celebration of Navruz takes place in the second ten days of March. This is an ancient holiday of the Turkic peoples. Symbolizes awakening and the beginning of the New Year. Official holiday in some countries. How is Nowruz celebrated? Events and traditions.
On the day of the vernal equinox, Navruz is celebrated - a spring holiday or Eastern (Persian) New Year. Translated from Farsi, its name means “new day”. With the arrival of spring, warm days come, nature awakens and begins to change its decoration. Navruz symbolizes the revival of nature, the triumph of life, and hopes for a generous harvest year.
One of the main symbols of Nowruz is now considered to be sprouted wheat sprouts, which are tied with a red ribbon. Traditionally, festive tables, homes and gardens of those celebrating are decorated with beautiful vases with such sprouts. Of course, some nuances of rituals and preparations may differ from nation to nation, but everyone who celebrates it does not work on these days, congratulates each other on the beginning of the New Year, eats holiday treats and has fun. Holiday dishes for the table include seven elements, the names of which begin with the letter “C” of the Persian alphabet. It is traditional to place colored eggs, candles and a mirror on the table. The egg and the mirror are symbols of the end of the old year and the beginning of the new year. Candles symbolize fire, which protects a person from evil forces.
The holiday is celebrated on March 21 in Iran, the republics of Central Asia and Transcaucasia, and on March 22 in Kazakhstan. Since 2010, this Day has become an official international event - International Day of Nowruz and has been included in the UN calendar holidays. By the decision of the General Assembly, at the initiative of Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Macedonia, Iran and Albania, India and Afghanistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan, the Navruz holiday was assigned to March 21 (UN General Assembly resolution No. A/RES/64/253) .
The spring New Year holiday of the equinox - Navruz, having arisen in Khorasan more than 3000 years ago, almost simultaneously with the emergence of agriculture, spread throughout all neighboring countries.
The roots of Nowruz go back to Zoroastrianism. Navruz is the oldest agricultural holiday; its origin is associated with the emergence of the agricultural calendar. Ferdowsi and Omar Khayyam, who served at the court of the Turkmen king Melik Shah, associated the emergence of Navruz with the names of the legendary kings Dzhemshid, Kayumurs and others. The holiday was first mentioned in the book of fire worshipers “Avesta”. It says that this is a celebration of the birth of life on earth and its victory over death. All living things, according to that book, appeared on this day in 6 types: fire, water, earth, plants, animals and people. According to ancient custom, before the onset of Nowruz, people must restore order in their homes and around them, and pay off their debts.
Round cakes made of wheat, barley, millet, corn, beans, peas, lentils, rice, sesame and beans are placed on the festive table. On Navruz, dishes are prepared, mainly plant products; the most famous holiday dish is sumalak - a dish made from sprouted wheat sprouts.
On the day of the vernal equinox, Navruz is celebrated - a spring holiday or Eastern (Persian) New Year. Translated from Farsi, its name means “new day”. With the arrival of spring, warm days come, nature awakens and begins to change its decoration. Navruz symbolizes the revival of nature, the triumph of life, and hopes for a generous harvest year.
One of the main symbols of Nowruz is now considered to be sprouted wheat sprouts, which are tied with a red ribbon. Traditionally, festive tables, homes and gardens of those celebrating are decorated with beautiful vases with such sprouts. Of course, some nuances of rituals and preparations may differ from nation to nation, but everyone who celebrates it does not work on these days, congratulates each other on the beginning of the New Year, eats holiday treats and has fun. Holiday dishes for the table include seven elements, the names of which begin with the letter “C” of the Persian alphabet. It is traditional to place colored eggs, candles and a mirror on the table. The egg and the mirror are symbols of the end of the old year and the beginning of the new year. Candles symbolize fire, which protects a person from evil forces.
The holiday is celebrated on March 21 in Iran, the republics of Central Asia and Transcaucasia, and on March 22 in Kazakhstan. Since 2010, this Day has become an official international event - International Day of Nowruz and has been included in the UN calendar holidays. By the decision of the General Assembly, at the initiative of Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Macedonia, Iran and Albania, India and Afghanistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan, the Navruz holiday was assigned to March 21 (UN General Assembly resolution No. A/RES/64/253) .
The spring New Year holiday of the equinox - Navruz, having arisen in Khorasan more than 3000 years ago, almost simultaneously with the emergence of agriculture, spread throughout all neighboring countries.
The roots of Nowruz go back to Zoroastrianism. Navruz is the oldest agricultural holiday; its origin is associated with the emergence of the agricultural calendar. Ferdowsi and Omar Khayyam, who served at the court of the Turkmen king Melik Shah, associated the emergence of Navruz with the names of the legendary kings Dzhemshid, Kayumurs and others. The holiday was first mentioned in the book of fire worshipers “Avesta”. It says that this is a celebration of the birth of life on earth and its victory over death. All living things, according to that book, appeared on this day in 6 types: fire, water, earth, plants, animals and people. According to ancient custom, before the onset of Nowruz, people must restore order in their homes and around them, and pay off their debts.
Round cakes made of wheat, barley, millet, corn, beans, peas, lentils, rice, sesame and beans are placed on the festive table. On Navruz, dishes are prepared, mainly plant products; the most famous holiday dish is sumalak - a dish made from sprouted wheat sprouts.
The Nauryz holiday is one of the most ancient holidays on Earth. It has been celebrated for more than five thousand years as a holiday of spring and renewal of nature by many peoples not only in Asia, but also in Europe, and according to some sources, among the Eastern Slavs. Historical information about this holiday is found in the works of many ancient and medieval authors. From generation to generation, the traditions of celebrating Nauryz were passed on by Kazakhs, Tajiks, Uzbeks, and Uyghurs. The Tajiks called him “Gulgardon” or “Gulnavruz”, the Tatars called him “Nardugan”, and the ancient Greeks knew him as “Patrich”. The form of celebration itself has carried the principles of love for nature since ancient times. Despite its age, this holiday has been preserved in people's memory, and has now acquired a new spiritual and ethical meaning.
"Nauryz" means "birth of spring." It is believed that a generous celebration of Nauryz will bring abundance and success to the home for the whole year. These beliefs explain the abundance of holiday rituals and customs.
With the arrival of the holiday, people dress in festive clothes, come to visit each other, exchange congratulations and wishes for prosperity in the coming year. The celebrations are accompanied by widespread fun, games, horse racing and other entertainment. The main ritual dish of this holiday is Nauryz-kozhe, which must consist of 7 ingredients symbolizing the 7 elements of life: water, meat, salt, fat, flour, cereals (rice, corn or wheat) and milk. These ingredients symbolize joy, luck, wisdom, health, prosperity, speed, growth and divine protection.
Of course, the modern outlines of the holiday differ significantly from their previous content. This is not only theatrical performances and richly decorated yurts, deliciously prepared nauryz-kozhe, but also holding charity events, folk sports games, caring for green spaces, planting trees, cleaning parks and other recreation areas, streets and squares.
In the Saratov region, Nauryz is traditionally widely celebrated. National-cultural associations hold their own Nauryz holidays; regional holidays are held in the municipal districts of the region, and, of course, a regional holiday.
The practice of exchanging Kazakh and Saratov delegations to participate in the Nauryz celebration has become a good tradition that strengthens our economic and humanitarian ties. The border regions of the Saratov region exchange delegations with the border regions of the Republic of Kazakhstan and participate in each other’s festive ceremonies.
Traditionally, members of the regional Government, delegations of municipal districts of the region, national-cultural associations of the region (Saratov regional Kazakh national-cultural autonomy, Saratov regional public organization "Azerbaijani society "Vatan", Saratov regional public organization "Uzbek cultural center "Sogdiana") and others. Honorary guests will also arrive this time: First Deputy Head of the Federal Agency for National Affairs Pavel Semenov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Russian Federation Polad Bulbul ogly, Consul of the Republic of Kazakhstan Askhat Syzdykov, President of the Federal National-Cultural Autonomy of Kazakhs of Russia Toktarbay Dusenbayev.
The regional “Nauryz” changes its address every year - it takes place in the municipality whose representatives won last year’s competition and received the “Nauryz” holiday flag. Similar holidays have already taken place in Marksovsky, Ozinsky, Novouzensky, Krasnokutsky and other municipal districts of the region. In 2015, Nauryz celebrations were held in the Dergachevsky municipal district.
Another novelty of the Nauryz celebration in 2016 will be the international competition of national costume, creativity and beauty “Miss Nauryz World 2016”, in which more than 40 contestants from Russia, near and far abroad will take part. The already traditional national beauty contest “Miss Nauryz of the Saratov Region” will also take place. An unforgettable spectacle: each participant, among whom there are representatives from 12 countries of the world, will walk along the red carpet accompanied by a girl - “little miss”, and at the end there will be a solemn award ceremony, where not one of the beauties will be left without attention.
In addition, the program of the All-Russian national holiday “Nauryz-2016” will feature a large-scale concert program, a competition of yurts and national cuisine, sports competitions in football, belt wrestling, kettlebell lifting, arm wrestling, an exhibition of masters of decorative and applied arts, and an impromptu “National Village” , as well as a regional fair of agricultural producers, processing and food industry enterprises in the Saratov region.
Thus, in the yurt competition, up to ten different tents (yurts) will be presented, and more than thirty national cuisines will be able to satisfy the most exquisite vks - the organizers, together with local residents, will do everything to ensure that this holiday remains in the hearts of everyone who visited Alexandrov Gai on this day. About a hundred athletes, including football players, will take part in the sports competitions: as part of the national holiday “Nauryz 2016”, a football match will be played between the local team and guests from the West Kazakhstan region.
Throughout the day, for the participants and guests of the festival there will be a concert program with many songs, dances and competitions: more than five hundred artists from Russia, as well as more than a hundred from Kazakhstan, will not leave anyone indifferent and will make Nauryz unforgettable and unique in terms of entertainment and number of talents.