Novruz

Novruz is the great spring holiday. Novruz means "a new day." People celebrate Novruz as the birthday of nature and life. This is our first Novruz, and we had much to learn.
There are four pre-holiday Tuesdays before Novruz. They have names. The first Tuesday is Water, then Fire, Air and the fourth is Earth. Everybody must talk about good and pleasant things.
Novruz rituals are very interesting. Parents usually have gifts for their children. They buy new clothing and sweets. Nature changes it clothing and people do the same. Azeri people clean and decorate houses, yards, streets and squares.
There is the Khonchas which are pictured above. Three members of one of Denney’s conversation clubs gave us a Khoncha and our two mugs from our host family sit next to it. In the middle is samani which is wheat. There is always pakhlava (honey soaked pastry), shakabura (sugar inside a decorated pastry), nuts, fruit, and candy. Our host’s family Khoncha has the "Dolphin Bananas". The children lit the candles and sang songs.
For the fourth Tuesday (last night) everyone makes a fire, and people jump over the fire three times. You leave all your bad feelings and memories in the fire and begin the new year. Above are Linda and Denney jumping the fire at our host family’s home.
After we jumped the fire, we walked around and took pictures of other fires. Many of the apartment buildings have a party much like a block party. We came across one and asked to take a picture. They were exceptionally friendly and gave us roasted potatoes and offered Denney liquid refreshment of which some of the men had had enough to make them very happy. Denney thanked them for the offer, but declined. It was a joy to spend 15 minutes with this group, one man jumped the large fire, people toasted Azerbaijan and America. Words fail me.
The big event comes on the 21st when Spring Maiden comes. She wears a national costume and travels on a phaeton with horses. Everyone sends greetings to celebrate, so from us to you "Bayraminiz Mubarek", Happy Holiday.