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The Yazidi New Year, known as Çarşema Sor (Red Wednesday), is a significant festival celebrated by the Yazidi people. This holiday falls on the first Wednesday of April, which is also the day after the first Tuesday of April according to the Gregorian calendar.
The origins of Çarşema Sor are steeped in ancient Mesopotamian religious tradition and are closely associated with the renewal of nature during springtime. The festival has pre-Islamic roots and is linked to Zoroastrianism and other regional beliefs that predate Christianity and Islam.
One key figure in Yazidi belief is Tawûsê Melek, the Peacock Angel, who plays a central role in their cosmology. On this day, Tawûsê Melek is said to come down to Earth, renewing nature and spreading goodness for the new year.
Decoration with Red Flowers: To commemorate this auspicious event, Yazidis often decorate their homes and places of worship with red flowers. The color red symbolizes the creation of life as well as joy and fertility.
Lighting Candles: Candles are lit at sunset on Tuesday evening at Lalish temple (the holiest site for Yazidis) and in other places; this act signifies shedding light on darkness and welcoming prosperity.
Festive Gatherings: Families gather for festive meals where traditional foods are prepared. These meals are often shared among community members.
Pilgrimage: Some Yazidis make a pilgrimage to Lalish temple located in northern Iraq to celebrate this holy day through prayer and ritual.
Dance and Music: Traditional music and dancing are integral parts of the celebrations. These activities not only provide entertainment but also reinforce community bonds.
Egg Dyeing: Similar to practices observed during Nowruz (the Persian New Year), there's a tradition of dyeing eggs which symbolizes fertility and rebirth.
The celebration of Çarşema Sor serves as an important cultural marker for Yazidis, reinforcing their identity while honoring their rich history amidst ongoing challenges faced by their community in Iraq and beyond.
