The Most Joyful Rituals of Nowruz Spring Festival

Nowruz, the herald of spring for some and the beginning of the new year for others, is a tradition celebrated in the Turkish, Balkan, and Iranian regions for more than a thousand years. Nowruz, which resembles a joyful holiday ceremony with colorful clothes and specially prepared meals, also has some rituals. Let’s discover together the most joyful rituals of the Nowruz Spring Festival that will make you blossom.

What is Nowruz and How Did It Appear?

Nowruz, which emerged from the combination of the Persian words now (new) and ruz (day), is celebrated on March 21, when day and night are equal in the northern hemisphere. With Nowruz, which is considered the beginning of spring, trees bloom, the weather gets warmer and migratory birds come north. Thus, the beginning of life and rebirth is heralded.

Two different legends are told about the emergence of Nowruz. According to Iranians, Nowruz is based on the mythological king Jamshid, who once saved all living things in the country from dying in the dark winter. In addition, in the Ergenekon Epic, it is said that March 21 was the day when the Göktürks, after living for 400 years in the valley surrounded by steep-sided mountains, melted the iron part of the mountain, opened a path for themselves and started their new life. For this reason, Nowruz is also known as the Ergenekon Bayramı among Turkish tribes.

Nowruz Rituals That are as Fun and Joyful as They Are Interesting

During the celebrations of Nowruz, which have been going on for 18 centuries, some different and entertaining rituals are performed in every geography. So, would you like to learn these joyful rituals? Here are the interesting, fun, and joyful Nowruz rituals!

Jumping Through the Fire for Redemption and Blessings

Everyone whether they are young or old jumps through the fire, which is usually lit in the village or town square, to cleanse from their sins. While they take turns jumping from the fire, those around them follow this tradition. In some beliefs, bathing and jumping from water also indicates cleansing from sins. The common point of almost all Nowruz traditions is known as the ritual of jumping over fire.

Colorful Nowruz Tables That Are Set with Seven Types of Dishes

It is believed that abundance and blessings will come with Nowruz. A seven-course meal is prepared, and the household unite at this table. To ensure that this richness continues throughout the year, everyone tastes all the dishes. According to the tradition called Semeni, barley and wheat are germinated in small containers and served on the table. Thus, it is believed that agricultural production will be efficient throughout the year.

Propose a Toast with Eggs for Blessings

One of the fun rituals frequently performed during Nowruz celebrations is the tradition of proposing a toast with eggs. The egg is directly associated with fertility because it represents reproduction. The eggs are first colored colorfully and then you make a toast. Toasting with eggs also symbolizes solidarity.

Horseback Riding and Performing Various Performances

Considering that Nowruz is also common in Central Asia, it is necessary to guess that horses, tents, and sports will also be included in this tradition. Horseback riding and various horse shows are quite famous on Nowruz day in Turkmenistan. While young people dance on horses and organize various races, various exhibitions are opened in the tents that are tented in the square. In addition, purebred Ahal Teke horses, unique to Turkmenistan, display all their skills in shows.

Iron Forging as a Symbol of Exit from Ergenekon

Since the iron mountain was drilled and overcome in Ergenekon, it is seen that iron forging is a representation during Nowruz celebrations. Songs are sung and dances are performed, poets read various poems and the exit from Ergenekon is celebrated by forging the irons.

Mesir Paste That Is Special to Nowruz in Manisa

Nowruz is one of the important traditions celebrated during the Seljuk and Ottoman times. Nowruz was celebrated by organizing various feasts and entertainment during the festivities called Nevruziye. Mesir paste, produced specifically for these celebrations, is still prepared today. In Manisa, mesir paste that is special to Nowruz is distributed every March 21 for Nowruz.

Welcome The Spring Season at Pera Palace Hotel!

In the spring months, when the weather gets warmer and the sea hits the back of Istanbul and shines like gold in the Bosphorus, Istanbul becomes even more beautiful. You may also consider welcoming Nowruz in Istanbul, where hopes are renewed, and new beginnings are made.

If you would like to enjoy Istanbul in the heart of Istanbul during the spring months, you can stay at Pera Palace Hotel. You can witness the spirit of Istanbul closely, from exhibitions to Saturday concerts and the Afternoon Tea event in the Kubbeli Hall. You can contact us right away to make a reservation for a pleasant spring holiday at Pera Palace Hotel, which has been the hotel of firsts for 130 years.

 

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