History of Nowruz holiday. How Navruz Bayram is celebrated

This material does not contain a description of Navruz in the form in which we are used to seeing it today. As a result of a little research, here we present to your attention seven facts about Navruz, which most of those who noted it did not even suspect.

Nowruz literally translated from Tajik (Farsi-Dari) means a new day (nav - new, rӯz - day) or, as they used to call it, the holiday of the Equinox.

Speaking about the ancient roots of the holiday, most scholars refer to the "Shahnama" (Book of Kings) by Abulkasim Ferdowsi (X-XI centuries), who in his epic tells about the Persians / Aryans from the time of the creation of the world to the seizure of the empire by Arab conquerors (VII century). However, the first mentions of Navruz are also contained in the even older book "Avesta" - the sacred scripture of one of the oldest religions in the world, Zoroastrianism, which was spread on the territory of modern Central Asia, Transcaucasia, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan before Islam. The history of Navruz is also mentioned in their later works by Biruni, at-Tabari, the ancient Greek historian Strabo and many others.

Based on all these historical documents, the editors of the Internet portal "Russia for All" tried to understand the history of Navruz,sense of its traditions and symbolism , as well as to understand how blurred the concepts that were originally laid down in the holiday itself and its rituals, in isolation from today's idea of the holiday.

Jamshed, who owns Navruz

During the celebration of Navruz, one can always hear the wishes of “Navruzi Jamshedk Muborak Bod”, which literally can be translated as “Congratulations on Jamshedov Navruz”.Most researchers and historians It is believed that Navruz began to be celebrated precisely during the reign of King Jamshed, the great-great-grandson of King Kayumars. This is evidenced by the works of Khayyam Nishapuri, Abu Reikhan Biruni and Abulkasim Ferdowsi, which have survived to this day.

According to Ferdowsi's epic Shahnameh, Jamshed established the holiday in the third period (each of which consisted of 50 years) of his 700-year reign, and for the next 300 years people under his rule lived in peace and quiet. Hence the combination of "Navruz Jamsheda", or "Jamshedov Navruz":

Like the sun of heavenly heights
The glorified sovereign shone.
The people gathered for his celebration,
He marveled at the greatness of his king.
Jamshida, showered with diamond rain,
That joyful day was called New Day.
That day was Ohrmazd, the month was Farwardin.
Forgetting about worries, not remembering the kruchin,
Under the sound of strings, over the buckets of wine,
All the nobility feasted, full of fun.
And people saved that holy holiday,
As a memory of the ancient rulers of the earth.

The date of the holiday was the day of the Hormoz of the month of Farwardin - the first day of the new year according to the astronomical solar calendar, which according to the current calendar falls on March 21.

Photo: © Peretz Partensky, Flickr.com

How is Navruz connected with the spirits of the dead?

In ancient times (in Zoroastrianism) it was believed that 10 days before the onset of the month of Farvardin, that is, the end of the year and the onset of Navruz, the souls of deceased ancestors begin to descend from heaven to stay with their descendants and see them.

Therefore, the practice of preparing for this holiday began in advance even then: they clean houses and quarters, put on new clothes, they light fire and incense, spreading a pleasant smell throughout the dwelling - all so that with the dawn of the first day of the month Farvardin (the beginning of Navruz) the fravahars (spirits) of the dead can return to their spiritual abode joyful and satisfied, knowing that their descendants are in harmony with nature.

The Avesta says about this: “We venerate the good, powerful, righteous, holy Fravahars who, before the holiday Hamas-pat-mayd (that is, Navruz), descend from their monastery and for 10 days and nights they walk there, inquiring ".

From this custom today, the habit of acquiring and wearing new outfits has remained.

Why is fire so important

In addition to the fact that Navruz was a harbinger of summer (and the annual victory of a good spirit over an evil one), in Zoroastrianism this holiday was also dedicated directly to fire, which was considered the life force and one of the main objects of worship.

Its main purpose in ancient times was seeing off the spirits: on the night before Navruz at dawn, people saw off the Fravahars, lighting fires on the hilltops or on the roofs of houses, and prayed for their satisfaction, asking them to return again next year.

During the reign of the Achaemenids (VI-IV centuries BC) and Sassanids (III-VII centuries), fire was worshiped in temples every year, it was kindled both on the roofs of houses and on festive tables (candles).

Strabo wrote that “in the most ancient, ancient times and to the present, the inhabitants of Mesopotamia gather on this day in the Temple of Fire. This is the most revered holiday, when merchants close their shops, artisans stop working, everyone is having fun, treating each other with those drinks and foods that have been touched by the fire. "

Nowadays, on the territory of Tajikistan and in other regions of compact residence of Tajiks, from this practice, only candles on the tables remain. Although relatively recently, 100-150 years ago, large bonfires were lit in Samarkand on the eve of the holiday, jumping over them, thereby asking from nature for a bountiful harvest and protection from evil spirits and genies (in some remote regions of the country this custom survived, but became only symbolic). Even women with babies jumped, thinking that thanks to this they would be spared misfortunes and misfortunes throughout the year.

Photo: © Jean-Pierre Dalbéra, Flickr.com

The main role on Navruz is female

Few people now know, but mothers on this holiday were assigned a very significant and, one might say, the main role. Two months before the holiday, the hostess began to sew new clothes and shoes for the whole family and tried to make sure that no one was left in old clothes in Navruz, especially children. On the eve of the holiday, under her leadership, the whole house was cleaned, dust was wiped off and, of course, traditional and festive dishes were prepared. By the way, it was the woman who prepared everything needed on the roof of the house for the fire - brushwood, an oil or kerosene lamp brought in advance, a vessel with water, and so on. It was also she who took a little fire from the hearth in the form of a flame, placed it in a small ateshdan (a device for carrying fire) and raised it to the roof, and all the other family members followed her.

Previously, relatives and neighbors (the female part), in order to prepare for the rituals and prepare traditional bread and meals, took five days to go home and help each other in preparation for the holiday. This was especially practiced in the villages.

Where did "Khaft sin" come from?

The most common explanation for "Khaft sin" is seven dishes / fruits, the names of which begin with ﺱ (in the Iranian alphabet, the letter is called "Sin"). According to the tradition that has survived in our days, almost everywhere where Navruz is celebrated, as one of its main and integral attributes during the New Year, “Khaft sin” was laid out on the festive table, each of which had its own meaning: sire (garlic is a symbol medicine), sib (apples - a symbol of beauty and health), sabzӣ (greens (cereals) - a symbol of the rebirth of nature), senҷed (the fruit of a loha - a symbol of love), serke (vinegar - a symbol of wisdom and patience), adobe (bread pie - a symbol prosperity), somag (sumaҳ (a type of spice) - a symbol of dawn).

However, some historians suggest that initially it was "Kaft shin", and milk (shir), sugar (shakar), sweets (shirinӣ), sherbet, etc. were laid out on the table, and "Kaft shin" was gradually transformed into "Kaft sin". And only after that both "Kaft sin" and "Kaft shin" became obligatory.

Others believe that at first there was "Khaft Chin", i.e. seven types of collection (from the verb "chidan" - to collect) from trees, which eventually changed into "haft sin".

The theory is also widespread among scholars that during the reign of the Sassanids (III-VII centuries), painted large plates began to be brought from China, which began to be called "chin" (Chinese - China in Persian "Chin") and on which fruits, sweets and other dishes - seven items in total - and put these trays on the festive tables. That is, scientists do not exclude the version that the current “Khaft sin” was formed from the phrase “Khaft chin” (seven Chinese).

Photo: © Mohammadali Fakheri, Flickr.com

Anti-Navruz

Today, very few people do not know, but there was a certain "counterbalance" to Navruz. According to the ancient calendar, the year was divided into two seasons, one of which, summer, opened Navruz, which lasted seven months, and the second, winter, which lasted five months, opened with the Meurgan holiday - with the first day of the month Meer (which means love, friendship) solar calendar corresponding to 23 September. This day also falls on the equinox, after which the night begins to get longer.

The Meurgan holiday was the second in importance after Navruz and was celebrated for six days. Ferdowsi writes in "Shahnama" that the emergence of this holiday is associated with the victory of the blacksmith Kaveh over the tyrant Zahhak, who, after long efforts with the support of the entire people, was chained and then elected king of Faridun.

Where is it celebrated?

Navruz announced public holiday in Azerbaijan, Albania, Afghanistan, Georgia, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, the Mongolian province of Bayan Ogli, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, as well as in such Russian regions as Bashkortostan and Tatarstan. During the period of celebration, citizens rest from three to seven days, depending on the country.

In addition, it is celebrated in India, Kazakhstan, Macedonia, Pakistan, Turkey and some regions of Dagestan and Chechnya in Russia.

Khurshed Khalilbekov

Navruz Bayram. History and traditions of the holiday. Muslims, congratulations!

Nowruz in Persian means "new day". This is a New Year's holiday according to the astronomical solar calendar among the Iranian and Turkic peoples.

TRAVELING A LOT, SEE THIS HOLIDAY AT UZBEKS, TAJIKS, TATAR.

SO BEAUTIFUL! DOES NOT REMEMBER ANYTHING ???

It is believed that this holiday is more than three thousand years old. It officially became international only in 2009, when UNESCO included it in the list of the intangible cultural heritage of mankind.

Navruz is the oldest agricultural holiday, its origin is associated with the emergence of the agricultural calendar.

The origin of this holiday is rooted in the pre-literary era of human history. It acquired official status in the Achaemenid Empire as a religious holiday of Zoroastrianism. It continues to be widely celebrated after the Islamic conquests, right up to the present time.

Many consider Navruz to be an Islamic holiday, but it should be noted that in the Middle East, Navruz is celebrated only by representatives of those peoples who lived there before the arrival of the Arabs, the spread of Islam and the emergence of the Arab Caliphate.

Nowruz, for example, is not celebrated by Arabs in Iraq. In Turkey, from 1925 to 1991, its celebration was officially prohibited. In Syria, the celebration of Navruz is still prohibited.

Like Christians, many rituals are associated with paganism, therefore Navruz is purely Muslim holiday can not be named. On this day, it is customary to meet spring, set the table and make wishes.

According to an ancient custom, before the onset of Navruz, people must thoroughly clean their homes and around, fully pay off their debts.

On the festive table laid out round cakes made from wheat, barley, millet, corn, beans, peas, lentils, rice, sesame seeds, and beans.

In Navruz, dishes are prepared from seven, mainly vegetable, products, the most famous festive dish is sumalak - a dish made from sprouted wheat germ.

Allah says in the Qur'an in Surah "The Purification of Faith" (al-Ikhlas):

Say: “He is Allah One,

Allah is eternal.

He did not give birth and was not born,

and there is no one equal to Him. "

V last years with special zeal, many Muslims of Central Asia, the Caucasus, and even Russia, celebrate the "Persian New Year" - Navruz, rooted in Zoroastrian beliefs. Thus, a holiday that contradicts the norms of Islam, as mentioned in many fatwas, has become firmly associated with the revival of national traditions among those who, apparently, understand as such ingrained superstitions and pre-Islamic vestiges.

A Muslim who solemnly celebrates the onset of spring and then performs namaz looks at least ridiculous in the eyes of an educated person. It is not surprising that such celebrations, as a rule, involve those who do not observe the pillars of Islam, or even do not know about their existence at all.

However, adherents of other confessions sometimes look at these amusements through the prism of the "national flavor of the East", giving the feasts a "Muslim" color. Even some figures on behalf of Islam do not hesitate to praise this "national tradition", confusing the illiterate or overly susceptible to pressure. public opinion people.

Meanwhile, inspired by the desire to “join the roots,” young people happily celebrate the renewal of nature, jumping over seven fires, sprinkling water on each other, eating “ritual food”, making wishes. Perhaps she is unaware that there are other joys of life that accompany truly Muslim holidays.

With enviable cohesion, Azerbaijanis, Uzbeks, Tajiks and others again go to meet Navruz, while Ramadan remains for many of them a heavy duty, difficult to fulfill "in modern conditions."

At the heart of worship on this day - March 20-21-22 - is the election of Zarathustra (Zoroaster) by God, the struggle of a certain Takhmuraz like the Ramayana with the divas, the release of some Jamshid, on whom the rays of the sun fell.

In the evening, from Derbent to Iran and India, fire worshipers light ritual bonfires and worship the Shaitan in the form of fire. Bonfires can also be seen on some streets of Makhachkala, where people from South Dagestan celebrate National holiday". Azerbaijanis and Persians gather in a Shiite mosque and in their circle "celebrate" Navruz.

Before the celebration of Navruz itself, Azerbaijanis usually celebrate a number of previous days, which are, as it were, preparation for the big celebrations on the occasion of the end of the old and the onset of the new year. In the last week of the year, each family should light as many torches on the roof of their house as the number of people living in this family, bonfires are kindled. Everyone, young and old, must jump over the burning fire, while uttering the following words: "All my troubles are for you, and your joy is for me." (Literally: "My yellowness to you, your crimson to me"). In this case, in no case should the fire be flooded with water. After the fire is extinguished, girls and boys collect ash and pour it on the outskirts of the village or on the road.

The Lezghins call this "holiday" "Yaran Suvar". Ritual food, sweets are being prepared, gifts are given. It is believed that the day vernal equinox comes " New Year».

In the morning, children and young people go around collecting sweets and sweets, adults go home, arranging feasts. Someone, dressed in sheep skins, depicts the "Scythe". Here and there drunken companies "sit", although according to legend, on this "holy day" you cannot drink and swear (on the rest, apparently, you can).

Yaran Suvar (New Year) is named, according to ethnographers, after an ancient Lezghin spring god named "Yar". There was a belief that if appropriate measures were not taken, it could happen that the "yar of poison" (ie, "the yar will hit, kill"). To avoid this, people tied in red woolen threads their hands, the necks of children and pets. Necessarily in the "new year" it was necessary to dress in something new, or at least sew a new patch on old clothes... Chanta (bags) were turned inside out on kims (godekans), they exchanged gifts and twisted the collected decorated chicken eggs: whoever had an egg spinning longer won.

In Akhtakh there was a custom of “stealing fire”. For the owner of the house, it was considered a shame to "lose fire", and for the "thief" - a testament to his courage and skill. Therefore, everyone took care of guarding the fires until they were completely extinguished, and if it happened that they caught a “thief” who was stealing the fire, it usually ended in serious fights and fights, sometimes turning into enmity between the youth of different magals and tukhums. On the night of March 22, rifle firing was heard in all ends of the aul, huge boulders were blown up in the Akhty-tea channel with gunpowder, and some villagers, climbing the nearby mountain slopes, set fire to huge wheels and let "spinning lights" down towards the aul. The youth, with the help of the set on fire farfalags (rotating wooden propellers launched into the sky), arranged a kind of fireworks. All these fiery exercises, combined with thunderous explosions and rifle shots, created an extraordinary picture of Shaitanian fun.

On Navruz, to the delight of Shaitan, it is customary to conjure, engage in fortune-telling and indulge in superstitions.

Before dark on the day of akhir chershenbe, girls and boys usually go to the neighbors' doors and “eavesdrop” on their conversation, and then, based on the first words they hear, draw conclusions about the fulfillment of their desires, which they made up their minds. In the evening, if there is a sick person in the family, they take any dishes with a spoon and knock it on the dishes at the neighbors' doors. A neighbor, having heard the sounds, is obliged to give the knocker some kind of treat or money. If food was served, then it is then given to the patient; if money was given, then food is bought with it and food is prepared for the patient. It is believed that she should help him heal. The fulfillment of this custom on the last Tuesday of the old year does not depend on the material condition of the patient's family and is symbolic in nature.

On the same evening, many, for example, in South Azerbaijan, pour clean water into a jug, and each family member throws an object into the jug of water, after which the jug is put out from the side of the qibla, i.e. Mecca. In the morning of the next day, all family members gather, and, as a rule, opening the book of Hafiz (a collection of poems by a famous Persian poet, a native of Shiraz), they take out one object from a jug and, accordingly, begin to guess with the help of Hafiz gazelles (similar to fortune telling from the Qur'an among the Sufis of Dagestan and Shiites). If their content is good and corresponds to the dream or desire of the person who lowered the given object into the jug, then his dream or desire will come true in the new year.

The celebration of the New Year ends in the afternoon on the 13th day of Novruz. Everyone should leave the house or go out of town or to the outskirts of the village and spend the whole day in the bosom of nature and thereby free themselves from the hardships of the number "13", which is considered "unlucky." People seem to try to leave all kinds of adversity in the field that can happen in a year, and in the evening they return home.

Before the onset of Navruz, every Tuesday evening, the "days of the elements" are celebrated: the day of water, fire, air, earth, in accordance with the teachings of the Avesta about the types of origin of life.

Each of the coming four weeks - or rather, four Wednesdays - is dedicated to one of the four elements and is named accordingly, although the names sometimes differ depending on the region. The four Wednesdays preceding the holiday are called Su Chershenbe (Wednesday on water), Odlu Chershenbe (Wednesday on fire), Torpag Chershenbe (Wednesday on earth) and Akhyr Chershenbe (last Wednesday).

The most important among these Wednesdays is the last one - akhir chershenbe akhshamy (last Tuesday last week of the year) when the main events unfold. This day is full of various ritual actions and is aimed at ensuring the well-being of oneself, one's family and in the coming new year, freeing oneself from all troubles and warding off troubles and other hardships from oneself and the family. All this is in the hands of Allah, and not fire and stupid superstitious rituals, which Satan misled, forcing him to worship.

Akhyr chershenbe akhshamy (the last Tuesday of the last week of the year) was celebrated with special solemnity. According to legend, if it coincided with the day of the Novruz offensive, the year was expected to be especially successful.

Fire-worshipers betray their prayers to the flame of the sacred fire. Pagans pray that fire will protect them from enemies and spirits. Fire is in their eyes the personification of life. "Let your fire go out" - was the strongest curse in these places.

In general, paganism (shirk) in all its manifestations, which originates from antiquity. The inhabitants of Mesopotamia, according to the testimony of the ancient Greek chronicler Strabo, gathered for Navruz in the "Temple of Fire". This explains the widespread custom today to kindle bonfires in the streets during Navruz celebrations.

With the advent of Islam, this holiday of Shaitan was canceled.

Ali ibn Abu Talib (until Allah be pleased with him) once made a gift in case of Nowruz. He asked: "What is this?"

They answered him: "O amir-ul-muminin, this is the day of Novruz."

He said: "Then make every day Feiruz (instead of Novruz)!"

(Quoted in the book of al-Beyhagi as-Sunan al-Kubra, 9/532) Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allah have mercy on him) said on this occasion: “Ali did not even want to use the name they gave to their holiday. So what about doing what they do during their holidays? ”

(Igtida al-Syrat al-Mustagim, 1/954)

This "holiday" completely contradicts the foundations of Monotheism (Tawhida) and the one who celebrates it, prepares for it or in any way participates in this disgusting act of the times of Jahiliyah - he commits a great sin, giving Allah a companion.

Some interpret this as a "holiday" of "spring and labor" (among other peoples of Dagestan - a holiday of plowing or the first furrow). The onset of spring is celebrated as the birth (rebirth) of life. All these are remnants of the pagan past.

The British scientist M. Boyes notes that in addition to all this, in Zoroastrianism this holiday was directly dedicated to fire, which the ancient Zoroastrianists considered the life force and worshiped it. “Zoroaster timed this holiday to the vernal equinox, apparently using the ancient celebration of the coming of spring, which he dedicated to fire. According to Zoroastrian customs, at noon of the New Day, the return from the ground of the midday spirit of Rapitvin, carrying warmth and light, was welcomed. After that, the spirit of Rapitvin is worshiped every day at the midday time allotted to him, which is now called "Rapitva" and is invoked in prayers of Asha-Vakhishta throughout the summer. "

On the day before Navruz, it is customary to go to the cemetery, remembering the dead and hand out sweets on the graves and lay flowers, because, according to Zoroastrianism, the spirit of the dead - Forokhar, who ascended to heaven, returns to earth on the Navruz holiday and for several days remains among relatives and even examines his body. Similar ideas are also very common among the Hindus and completely contradict the Islamic doctrine, according to which the souls of the dead are in the grave until the Day of Judgment.

A special place in these festive rituals is occupied by the preparation of the so-called "ritual food". She is a symbol of the fertility of nature and man. The magical seven items and products on the tray become a symbolic gift to the shaitan in the form of the sun.

A festive table was laid in all houses - they cooked pilaf, baked sweets and prepared all kinds of delicacies. There must have been a festive khoncha (tray) on the festive table. Semeni (sprouted wheat) was usually placed in the middle of the tray, as well as a candle for each family member, colored eggs, and there must have been seven types of food on the table. On this day, everyone was supposed to be at home.

Fire worshipers pay a lot of attention to the preparation of the festive table. On the table, on the table, there should have been seven types of dishes, the name of which begins with the letter “c”. there should be sumac on the table, syud - milk, sirke - vinegar, seeds, sabzi - herbs, etc. In addition to the listed dishes, a mirror and candles are placed on the table, a painted egg above the mirror. Everything has a symbolic meaning: a candle is a light or fire that protects a person from evil spirits; mirror is a symbol of clarity.

According to tradition, on the first day of the holiday, all household members were supposed to be at home. People say: "If you are not at home on a holiday, you will wander for seven years." As a rule, on the days of the holiday, the outer doors were not locked. On the first day of the New Year, a light should be on all night in every family. This is a sign of prosperity, it is by no means possible to extinguish the fire: an extinguished fire is a sign of unhappiness.

Everyone complains about the high cost of food, about the fact that it is difficult to feed, but they don’t skimp on treats to the shaitan, spending the latter and even getting into debt. For the shaitan, there should be "traditional" dishes on the table, a mixture of dried fruits, walnut and hazelnuts, as well as sweets. It is not accepted to drink alcohol, but many delight the shaitan, “violating” the customs of their ancestors who worship fire.

Thus, the horned shaitan in the form of the sun, "accepting" these gifts, is supposedly able to take care of a rich harvest, becoming another ruler of the universe, which clearly contradicts the very idea of Monotheism.

"They are like Satan, who says to man:" Do not believe! " When he becomes an unbeliever, he says: “I am not involved in you! I am afraid of Allah, the Lord of the worlds. " (Quran, 59/16)

Navruz (Yaran suvar) are religious festivals of fire worshipers (Khurramites) - vile pagans who did not bury their dead and left them like carrion to be devoured by vultures.

A normal person will not follow the religious rites of those who leave their dead to rot in stone sarcophagi or burn them, as other idolaters - dirty Hindus do, and also practice incest and mass orgies, which, according to some scholars, was the custom among fire worshipers in pre-Islamic period and was also considered part of their rites.

Navruz is a pagan cult holiday and is haram (forbidden) for Muslims.

Judging by the following dictum of the Prophet Muhammad - “Allah will curse everyone who supports those who introduce innovations into the religion” (cited by Muslim), it can be concluded that from the point of view of Islamic doctrine, the introduction of rituals and holidays of non-Islamic origin into the religion is not allowed, although such attempts, on the example of Novruz, have been noted and noted in history.

Narrated by Anas: “When the Prophet Salallahi alayhi wa sallam arrived in Medina, the people celebrated two holidays there. These days were days of fun and joy. The Prophet asked: "And what are these days (what is their essence)?"

They answered him: “During the times of Jahiliya (paganism), we had fun these days. The Prophet Salallahi alayhi wa sallam replied: "Allah has replaced those two holidays for you with two more useful holidays - this is Eid al-Adha and Uraza." (quoted by Abu Dawood).

Anyone who calls himself a Muslim and celebrates the holiday of pagans - fire worshipers, and then performs namaz, violates the principle of worshiping only Allah. Shaitan was created from fire and encourages worship of that from which he was created. The one who celebrates worships the Shaitan, even if he call himself Mithra, even Ahuramazda (Ormuzd) or Yar. It is not surprising that such celebrations, as a rule, are attended by those who do not know Islam and do not adhere to the pillars of Islam, but are only "ethnic Muslims." And, of course, he does not know the basics of Tawheed. Allah is pure from all associates.

"He is Allah, and there is no deity besides Him, Knowing the hidden and obvious." (Quran, 59/22)

The one who worships fire will be rewarded with eternal fire in Hell:

“Do not be like those who have forgotten Allah and whom He made to forget themselves. They are wicked.

The end of those and others will be falling into the Fire, in which they will abide forever. Such is the reward for the wicked! " (Quran, Surah "Collection", ayahs 19 and 17)

Navruz is a holiday of the vernal equinox and the beginning of a new agricultural year among the Persian-speaking and some Turkic-speaking peoples of Kazakhstan, Central and Asia Minor, Iran, as well as among the Bashkirs and Tatars. Nowruz means "new day" in Farsi. Its spelling and pronunciation may vary in different countries- Novruz, Navruz, Nuruz, Nevruz, Nauryz, Nooruz, etc. It is celebrated on the day of the vernal equinox - March 21. Navruz symbolizes the renewal of nature and man, the purification of souls and the beginning of a new life.

In September 2009, Navruz was included in the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and at the end of February 2010, the 64th session of the UN General Assembly declared March 21 the "International Day of Nowruz".

The Navruz holiday is one of the most ancient on Earth. It has been known since pre-Zoroastrian times; it was celebrated even before the 7th century BC. In the state of the Achaemenids (VI-IV centuries BC) and Sassanids (III-VII centuries AD) Navruz was considered the main holiday. The ancient Greek historian Strabo wrote about this holiday: "In the most ancient, ancient times and to the present, the inhabitants of Mesopotamia (Syr-Darya and Amu-Darya) gather on this day in the Temple of Fire. This is the most revered holiday when merchants close their shops, artisans stop work, everyone is having fun, treating each other to those drinks and foods that have been touched by the fire. "

It is believed that the origin of the holiday is ancient Iranian, associated with the cult of the Sun and the name of the legendary prophet Zarathushtra (spelling variant - Zoroaster, Zardusht).

According to legend, many legendary events took place on this day: "Zarathushtra was chosen by God to bring happiness to people," the mythical king Takhmuras "sent evil divas and ruthless people to prison", and "Goshtosp, princess Kaetun and Jomosp accepted the Mazdayasna faith", those. Zoroastrianism, etc. The origin of Navruz is also associated with the mythical king Jamshid, on whom the rays of the sun fell on that day.

The oldest source where the celebration of Navruz is mentioned is the sacred book of Zoroastrianism "Avesta". According to the teachings of the Avesta, every spring people should celebrate the appearance of life on earth, which originated "in six species" (sky, water, earth, plants, animals and humans).

The celebration of Navruz on the day of the vernal equinox is associated with the emergence of the solar calendar, which appeared among the peoples of Central Asia and Iran seven thousand years ago, long before the emergence of Islam. According to him, the year began in the spring of March 20 or 21, on the day of the vernal equinox, when day equals night and spring finally comes into its own. The time is coming for a new field harvest, the time for the cares and hopes of the farmer.

This is how Navruz differs from the Muslim New Year, since it is based on muslim calendar lies lunar year personal cycle. Since the year according to the solar calendar contains 365 (366) days, and the lunar - 354 (355) days, the beginning of the lunar year and all dates of the lunar year relative to the solar one move about 11 days ahead.

The Muslim lunar year begins with the month of Muharram, that is, the new year begins on the 1st of the month of Muharram, which is the first month of the Muslim calendar.

The Muslim year is not tied to the seasons, the months migrate across all seasons, with the result that the beginning of the year, for example, may fall in the summer months of the Gregorian style, and after a while - in the winter months.

In ancient times, the date of the coming of Navruz was determined by astrologers. Now they have been replaced by astronomers who calculate the date of the arrival of Navruz to the nearest minute. In 2011, the day of the vernal equinox, i.e. when the Sun crosses the celestial equator and moves from the southern hemisphere to the northern, it will come on March 21 at 02.21 Moscow time.

According to old Turkic legends, this day was the day when the Turkic people escaped from the encirclement. In other words, on this day the Turks left Ergenekon (the territory surrounded by mountains). Therefore, Navruz was accepted by the Turks as the beginning of the New Year and is celebrated to this day.

Rooted in the traditions of the ancient farmers of the Middle East and Central Asia, the holiday not only survived the Arab conquest, but also became an integral part of the culture of many peoples professing Islam. In the CIS, it is celebrated as a national Tatars, Kazakhs, Bashkirs, Kyrgyz, Tajiks, Uzbeks and many other peoples.

In a number of countries, Navruz is declared a public holiday, and March 21 is a day off.

The significance of this period of the year for the life of people since ancient times has given rise to many customs and rituals associated with magic, the cult of nature and fertility, beliefs in a dying and resurrected nature.

Long before the holiday, about two weeks, wheat or lentils are sown on the dishes. By the holiday, their green sprouts should reach 5-7 cm and become a table decoration, a symbol of the birth of a new life, the New Year. But the preparations do not end there. Closer to the holiday, the grain is germinated again - to become the basis for the festive dish.

Before Navruz, you need to repent of your sins, make peace with your enemies, forgive debts. In the days of Navruz, good angels-farishta bring abundance and prosperity to those who have pure thoughts, who have a bright soul, who have cleaned their homes, because people believed that the purity of the space around a person reflects the clarity of his inner state. In addition, good angels will not even look to the vindictive and harmful filthy people.

Therefore, before Navruz, the owners try to put the house in order, whitewash and renovate it. Also, before the holiday, they decorate houses, clean up garbage on the street.

Clothes, especially children's clothes, are necessarily washed - after all, children are considered the most susceptible to the evil eye, and water should wash everything off. Even before Islam, the week before Navruz was considered dedicated to the souls of the ancestors. The ancestors were commemorated by making offerings to them and asking them for help next year, protection from troubles.

The onset of the New Year is preceded by symbolic rituals of purification. On "Wednesday of joy" (the last Wednesday before Navruz), fires are lit on the streets of cities and villages, and people must jump seven times over one fire or one time over seven fires. On the last night of the old year, it is customary to spray each other with water and jump over running water to cleanse oneself from last year's sins.

Navruz is the time of fortune-telling. Particularly carried away by this are the girls who have become worn, who that evening throw their boots over their heads and determine by the direction of their socks whether they will stay in their parents' house for another year or move to the house of their betrothed.

In addition, on a festive evening with the onset of Navruz, it is customary to eavesdrop on the conversations of neighbors through windows or doors, and, depending on the pleasant or unpleasant conversation heard, determine how successful or unsuccessful the coming year will be for both eavesdropping and owners.

The holiday itself begins in the dark, when, putting on new clothes, the whole family gathers at the table, on which they put new dishes. A special table is set for Navruz and is called "haft-sin". There must be seven (haft) products on the table, the names of which begin with the Arabic letter "sin": rue seeds - sipand, apple - seb, black seeds - siahdane, wild olive - sanjid, vinegar - sirke, garlic - sir and sprouted grain - sabzi.

Another set of seven items is possible, for example, in Iran it includes a sekke - a coin; serke - vinegar; sire - garlic; sumah - spice; samanu (among other peoples, sumalak) - a dish for the preparation of which sprouted wheat grains are used; sandjed - sucker berry; sabze - greens, flax and cereal seeds germinated in water, symbolizing the revival of nature.

The magical seven items and products on the table become a symbolic gift to the Sun, which, accepting this gift, must take care of a rich harvest.

In addition, a mirror is placed on the table and candles are lit according to the number of family members, which cannot be extinguished until they have burned out to the end. Necessarily a large holiday bread or flat cakes, a bowl of water on which a green leaf should float, a bowl of rose water, fruits, nuts, almonds, fish, rooster, milk, yogurt, cheese, painted eggs. In ancient times, each of the components was of particular importance for the next year's harvest, for the fate of family members. Now this symbolism has been lost, but the tradition has remained.

Pilaf is being prepared. Indeed, in Central Asia, no holiday is complete without it. But the main ones on the table will be Guja (among some peoples, Halim or Halisa) and Sumalak (Sumalak, Samanu). The cooking process for these dishes is long and laborious. They begin to cook them in the evening and spend the whole night preceding Navruz. Only women are engaged in the preparation of sumalak, and men are engaged in guji or halima (khalisa). Guja is made from seven types of cereals with the addition of meat, and everything is boiled until smooth. Halim (khalisa) is a porridge made from wheat and meat, in some peoples with the addition of peas and vegetables. Sumalak is a halva made from sprouted wheat germ, which is ground and then boiled in a cauldron in cottonseed oil (in some nations, in water) with the addition of flour. These dishes are very healthy because they are rich in vitamins and amino acids.

To prepare sumalak, all the women in a large family gather in front of huge cauldrons, and in cities - neighbors, taking turns continuously stirring in them so that the dish does not burn. The night turns into women's gatherings with conversations, songs and even dances. The main thing is not to burn. In the morning, sumalak is distributed to everyone who participated in the preparation of the dish or contributed their share of the food. In turn, these people treat them to their relatives and friends, delivering it in bowls to their homes.

After cooling, the dish is served. At the same time, it is believed that the image that appears on the surface of the sumalak determines what promises the new year, and the dish itself endows people with physical and spiritual strength.

The host holds out a dish with barely sprouted grain to the guests who have come to the holiday, the eating of which symbolizes the initiation into the revival of all living things.

The festive ritual is not limited to a sweet, kind feast. On this day, children go home and sing songs about Navruz, and they are presented with sweets. Artists perform on the streets, witches compete, songs and jokes are heard. Before late evening the fun and laughter continues, and in the morning the holiday continues, although not with that splendor, but simply in a home circle.

In ancient times, Navruz was celebrated for 13 days. At the end of the celebrations, people went out into the field, where they celebrated the New Year. That was the omen. It was believed that those who went out in the field these days to enjoy nature, throughout the coming year, will be accompanied by happiness and prosperity.

This tradition has been preserved in Iran, where the celebration of Navruz usually lasts for 13 days, of which the first 5 days are dedicated to meeting Navruz and visiting relatives and friends. The ninth day is known as Shahryaran Navruz (Shah Navruz), and the thirteenth day as Sizda-bedar ("Thirteenth outside the home").

People together with their relatives spend the 13th day of spring in the bosom of nature, as if coming to terms with nature. It was believed that those who went out in the field these days to enjoy nature throughout the coming year will be accompanied by happiness and prosperity. And thus, the festivities associated with the onset of the New Year end with a visit to the ever-living nature and meditation on the signs of creation.

The material was prepared on the basis of information from open sources

Navruz, which is translated from Farsi as "new day" and symbolizes the beginning of a new life, is one of the most ancient holidays on Earth - it was celebrated back in the 7th century BC.

Nowruz is common among Muslim peoples, but this folk holiday, which is associated with spring and the awakening of nature, as well as the beginning of agricultural work.

Navruz was included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2009, and the UN General Assembly declared International Day in 2010.

Navruz acquired official status in the Achaemenid Persian Empire (VI-IV centuries BC). Navruz was also celebrated after the Islamic conquests, up to the present time.

history of the holiday

The oldest source where the celebration of Navruz is mentioned, which is associated with the cult of the Sun and the name of the ancient Persian prophet Zarathushtra, is the sacred book of the Zoroastrians "Avesta".

According to the teachings of the Avesta, every spring people should celebrate the appearance of life on earth, which originated "in six species" - earth, sky, plants, water, animals and man.

On this day, according to legend, many legendary events took place, including Zarathushtra was chosen by the god to bring happiness to people, and the mythical king Tahmuras sent evil divas and ruthless people to prison.

The emergence of Navruz is also associated with the mythical king Jamshid - the sun's rays fell on him that day.

The Türks, according to legends, on this day came out of the encirclement from Ergenekon - a territory surrounded by mountains, therefore, the Turkic peoples adopted Navruz as the beginning of the New Year and is celebrated to this day.

During its existence, Navruz was either canceled or celebrated again. Currently, the holiday is not celebrated in all Muslim countries- In the Middle East, Navruz is celebrated only by those peoples who, before the arrival of the Arabs and the widespread spread of Islam, still lived there.

The Arabs themselves do not celebrate this holiday. Moreover, Navruz is officially banned in Syria, and the ban on its celebration was lifted in Turkey only in 1991.

According to the astronomical solar calendar, Navruz, as the official start of the new year, is celebrated in Iran, Afghanistan, Iraqi Kurdistan, India, Macedonia and so on. Navruz is also the beginning of the year according to the Bahá'í calendar.

In the CIS countries, Navruz is celebrated as a national holiday by Tatars, Kazakhs, Bashkirs, Tajiks, Kyrgyz, Uzbeks and many other peoples. The name of the holiday, depending on the country or region, is pronounced differently - Nauruz, Novruz, Nauryz, Nuruz, Nevruz, Nouruz and so on.

The duration of the holiday is also different - in some countries Navruz is celebrated for three days, while in others it is five or more. In ancient times, Navruz was celebrated for 13 days, and at the end of the celebrations, people went out into the field, where they celebrated the New Year.

People in the old days believed that happiness and prosperity will accompany those who enjoy nature in the field these days throughout the year. In some countries, this tradition has been preserved to this day, including in Iran, where people, together with their families and friends, spend the 13th day of spring in nature.

On the day of the vernal equinox, the celebration of Navruz is associated with the emergence of the solar calendar - it appeared among the peoples of Iran and Central Asia long before the emergence of Islam, seven millennia ago.

Navruz differs from the Muslim New Year in that the Muslim calendar is based on the lunar annual cycle. New Year by lunar calendar comes the 1st of the month of Muharram, which is the first month of the Muslim calendar.

Traditions

The importance of this period of the year for the life of people since ancient times has given rise to many traditions, rituals and customs - all of them are associated with magical actions, the cult of nature and fertility.

Muslims begin to prepare for Navruz a month before the holiday - Tuesdays (Chershenbe) are considered especially pre-holiday. Each of them has its own name in accordance with the elements of nature (water, fire, earth and wind), to the "awakening" of which it is dedicated.

Every Tuesday has its own ancient traditions and rituals, many of them have survived to this day. On the first Tuesday, syamyani (sprouted wheat seeds) are planted, an integral symbol of Navruz - a symbol of life, wealth, health and well-being of the family.

The traditions of celebrating Navruz in all countries are approximately the same - in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan there is a tradition on the night before the holiday to fumigate homes with steaming juniper branches to drive out evil spirits.

Before the holiday, according to tradition, you also need to make peace with your enemies, forgive debts and repent of your sins. In the days of Navruz, according to the belief, good angels-farishta bring prosperity and abundance to those who have pure thoughts, who are bright in soul, and who have cleaned their home. Therefore, before Navruz, the owners try to put the house in order, whitewash and repair it.

All housework related to the celebration of Navruz, according to tradition, must be completed the day before, including cleaning, preparing dishes for the holiday, decorating the home with green branches of apple and pomegranate.

People believed that the water would wash away all the negativity, therefore, be sure to wash clothes, especially children's clothes, before the holiday. The week before Navruz, even before Islam, was considered dedicated to the souls of the ancestors. They remembered the ancestors, making them offerings and asking for help from them next year, as well as protection from troubles.

Customs and rituals

The custom of kindling ritual bonfires, lighting torches and candles has survived to this day, since the Zoroastrians worshiped fire and considered it a life force, which is why symbolic rituals of purification are held before the onset of Navruz.

Bonfires are lit on the streets of cities and villages - according to tradition, people have to jump seven times over one bonfire or seven bonfires one time at a time. To cleanse oneself from last year's sins, it is customary to spray each other with water and jump over running water on the last night of the old year.

Navruz, like most of the ancient holidays, is a time of fortune-telling, which is especially fond of girls of marriageable age. According to an old custom, on this evening they throw their boots over their heads and, according to the direction of their toes, determine whether they will stay in their parents' house for another year or move to the house of their betrothed.

In the old days, with the onset of Navruz, on a festive evening, it was customary to eavesdrop on the conversations of neighbors through doors or windows and, depending on the pleasant or unpleasant conversation heard, determine how successful or unsuccessful the coming year would be for both eavesdroppers and owners.

A lot on this holiday depends, according to popular beliefs, on who is the first to cross the threshold of the house. The first guest in the new year should have a kind and quiet character, a sense of humor, a good name and reputation, but the most important thing is to have a "happy leg", that is, to bring good luck to the house.

New Year's feast

All family members gather at the New Year's festive table called "haft-sin". The range of festive dishes differs depending on the region, but it is imperative that there must be magic items and products on the table that symbolize light, abundance, purity, happiness and fertility in the New Year.

According to tradition, seven dishes are served on the festive table, the name of which begins with the letter "sin" (s): syamyani (sprouted grains), sir (garlic), seb (apple), sipand (spinach), sumach (barberry), sonjit (olive), sirko (vinegar).

Various dishes of lamb, chicken, eggs and fish are prepared for Navruz, which are abundantly seasoned with various spices and decorated with herbs.

Not a single festive table is complete without the ritual delicacy of sumalak (malted halva) - it is brewed from the juice of germinated wheat grains with the addition of sugar and flour.

A mirror and candles are placed on the table according to the number of family members. By the way, the candles must burn out by themselves - they cannot be extinguished. Homemade bread, fish, cheese, milk, eggs painted in green color, almonds, nuts, a vessel with rose water, a bowl of water in which a green leaf is floating. There must be a Koran on the table.

The festive table is decorated with traditional sweets - baklava, shekerbura, gogal, badambura and so on, as well as sweet pilaf seasoned with dried fruits and raisins, as well as other goodies.

The owner presents a dish with barely sprouted grain to the guests who come to the holiday - eating it symbolizes the initiation into the revival of all living things.

On holiday, children go home and sing songs about Navruz, for which the owners present them with sweets. Festive events are held on the streets - artists perform, witches compete, songs and jokes are played.

Festivities on this day are held in many countries. So, for example, by tradition, in Uzbekistan, horse races and fights are held. In Kyrgyzstan, there are similar traditions - during the festivities, the art of horseback riding is demonstrated.

Other traditions of Navruz include a circus in Iran called Band Bazi, as well as Buz Kashi, a sporting event in Afghanistan where riders use a decapitated goat carcass to play.

Material prepared on the basis of open sources

In Azerbaijan, the Novruz Bayram holiday is one of the main holidays, along with the New Year. It is also celebrated in other Muslim countries and is not only religious holiday... It is combined with and symbolizes the awakening and renewal of nature, the coming of the new year.

It is not difficult to guess what date the Novruz Bayram holiday is celebrated - like the vernal equinox around the world, this holiday falls on the date of March 21.

History of the holiday Novruz Bayram in Islam

It must be said that the holiday of spring Novruz Bayram has no direct relation to Islam and its customs. It is rooted in pre-literary history. Today it is celebrated by the peoples who inhabited the territory of the Middle East even before the arrival of Islam.That is, it is not celebrated by the Arabs, Turks and Syrians, moreover, in these countries it was banned or is still banned.

What does the Novruz Bayram holiday mean for Muslims: this day is the beginning of spring, the moment of equality of day and night, the beginning of growth and prosperity. The word Novruz itself means “new day”. The celebration lasts from a week to two weeks and is accompanied by meetings with family and friends.

Traditions of Novruz Bayram holiday

Muslim holiday Novruz Bayram is rich folk traditions... The most ancient of them are "Khydyr Ilyas" and "Kos-Kosa" - games in the squares, symbolizing the arrival of spring.

Other interesting traditions, which appeared later, are associated with water and fire. Since in the eastern countries fire has great reverence, which means purification and freshness, the Novruz Bayram holiday is not complete without fires. On the eve, it is customary everywhere, even in cities, to kindle fires and jump over flames, regardless of gender and age. And you need to do this 7 times, pronouncing special words.

Bonfires are not extinguished, they must completely burn out, after which young people take ash and scatter it away from home. At the same time, together with the ash, all the failures and hardships of those who jumped are thrown away.

Another tradition is jumping over water. To jump over a stream or river means to be cleansed from past sins. It is also customary to douche and pour water over each other at night. And whoever drinks water from a stream or river on the evening before the holiday will not get sick next year.

Celebration and signs

During the celebration of Novruz Bayram, it is necessary to traditionally prepare a table with seven dishes starting with "s". In addition, a mirror, a candle and a painted egg are placed on the table. All this has a deep meaning: the mirror is a symbol of clarity, the candle drives away evil spirits, and the egg is the subject of close attention of everyone sitting at the table - as soon as it swings, it means that the New Year has come. From this moment, everyone begins to congratulate each other, say wishes, hug and so on.

March 21 is a non-working day, even if it falls in the middle of the week. On the first day of the holiday, it is customary to be at home with your family. If you happen to be absent, then there is a sign that you will not see the house for another 7 years.