Nowruz/Spring Holiday in Azerbaijan

Nowruz, also spelled as Novruz, is a significant traditional holiday marking the start of spring and the Persian New Year, celebrated around March 20th or 21st in Azerbaijan. It's a festivity deeply rooted in Zoroastrianism and dates back over 3,000 years, reflecting the country's ancient cultural heritage.

History

Nowruz has its origins in Iran's historical region and was spread across the area by the Persian Empire. It symbolizes the rebirth of nature and is closely tied to agricultural cycles. Under Soviet rule, Nowruz celebrations were often discouraged but persisted unofficially. Since gaining independence in 1991, Azerbaijan has revitalized and officially recognized Nowruz as a public holiday.

Traditions

Leading up to Nowruz, Azerbaijanis engage in various preparations known as khoncha, which include:

• Spring Cleaning: Homes are thoroughly cleaned in a tradition called khane tekani.
• Bonfires: On the last four Tuesdays before Nowruz, people jump over small bonfires to symbolize purification.
• Wheat Sprouting: Families grow samani (wheatgrass), representing growth and abundance.
• Haft-Seen Table: A table is set with seven items starting with the letter 'S' (haft-seen), each signifying different hopes for the new year.

On the day of Nowruz:

• People wear new clothes symbolizing a fresh start.
• They visit friends and relatives, exchange gifts, and indulge in feasting.
• Special dishes like plov, kebabs, and sweet pastries like shekerbura are prepared.
• Public celebrations include music, dancing, street performances, and traditional sports.

Nowruz serves not only as a celebration of nature's renewal but also as an integral part of Azerbaijani national identity that fosters values of peace and solidarity.