Traditions and customs of Azerbaijan- celebration of Novruz (3)

Favorite Holiday of Children

Children love Novruz. For them, it's presents, sometimes even gold coins or brand new bills and best of all, vacation from school! On the last Wednesday prior to Novruz, children slip around to their neighbors' homes and apartments, knock at their doors, and leave their caps or little basket on the thresholds all the while hiding nearby waiting for candies, pastries and nuts. They never took it back empty cause hosts always put something in.

Fire-Jumping Tradition Backfires

Azerbaijan as a cradle of fire-worshipping had rich Novruz traditions associated with fire which also was believed a way to purify oneself. As a tribute to fire-worshiping every Tuesday during four weeks before the holiday kids jump over small bonfires and candles are lit. One of the traditions associated with Novruz is that of jumping over bonfires on the last Wednesday, "Akhir Charshanbe", before the holiday. Making fires on streets, roofs and elevated points was wide accepted and jumping over a fire on Last Wednesday was considered compulsory for community members regardless to their age and sex. After the fire dies out girls and young men collect the remaining ash and pour it somewhere in the outskirts of the village or a road. It means that the hardships of those who have jumped over the fire are destroyed and thrown out far beyond their homes.

Fortune telling

On "Akhyr Charshanba" before dark there comes the time of fortune telling. Azerbaijani girls and young men sneak to doors of their neighbors and "overheard" their conversation; then on the basis of the first words they have heard they try to tell their fortune and guess if their wishes will come true.

New Year celebrations are finished on the 13th day of Novruz. On this day in the city outskirts are held mass parties with traditional games and contests like horse or camel races in which both men and women take part. The ancient spring holiday - Novruz Bayramy - is one of the oldest and most beautiful Azerbaijani traditions. Nowadays, most of the above traditions are preserved in Azerbaijan.
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