Azerbaijan Prepares for “Su Chershenbesi” – Inaugural Tuesday of Novruz Celebrations

Baku, The Gulf Observer: Today marks the commencement of the vibrant Novruz Bayram festivities in Azerbaijan, starting with the enchanting celebration of “Su Chershenbesi” or Water Tuesday. This day signifies the advent of a month-long revelry leading up to the most-beloved ancient holiday, Novruz Bayram.

Novruz: A Symbolic Transition to Spring:
Novruz, deeply ingrained in Azerbaijani culture, symbolizes the end of winter and the emergence of spring. It is an affirmation of life in harmony with nature, an embodiment of equality and fraternity, and a celebration of the renewal of nature itself. The anticipation for Novruz builds a month in advance, with each week dedicated to one of the four elements – water, fire, earth, and wind.

Four Sacred Tuesdays:
Novruz Tuesdays are revered as sacred, each dedicated to one of the four elements. “Su Chershenbesi” or Water Tuesday, which falls on February 27 this year, holds special significance. Folk beliefs associate water with purification and stirring, symbolizing the rejuvenation of nature. This day marks the beginning of life anew, as the earth warms, the soil awakens, and the weather undergoes a transformative shift.

Traditions of Water Tuesday:
On “Su Chershenbesi,” young girls traditionally embark on a journey to mountain springs to fetch pure water. Returning with the precious liquid in Sahangs, traditional Azeri jugs adorned with intricate carvings, they symbolize the renewal and purity associated with water. Splashing water around their homes and on the faces of relatives is a customary practice on this day.

Azure Element in the Khoncha:
A pivotal element of Water Tuesday is the inclusion of a bowl of water in the Khoncha, a Novruz tray adorned with nuts and sweets. This symbolic gesture emphasizes the significance of water in the festivities, reflecting the belief that water purifies and renews life.

Celebrating Nature’s Awakening:
As Azerbaijanis come together to celebrate “Su Chershenbesi,” they embrace the traditions passed down through generations. The splendor of blossoming trees, the warmth of the earth, and the purity of water serve as reminders of the profound connection between humanity and nature.

The commencement of “Su Chershenbesi” heralds a month filled with joy, symbolism, and cultural richness, culminating in the grandeur of Novruz Bayram, a celebration that encapsulates the essence of Azerbaijan’s ancient traditions and its enduring unity with nature.