The holiday of Nauryz is celebrated in many Asian nations, in particular those whose states in antiquity were located along the Great Silk Road. At present Nauryz is a state holiday in Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Albania, Afghanistan, India, Iran, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Mongolia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Tatarstan, Dagestan, Bashkortostan, as well as in some provinces of China .
History of the holiday Nauryz
Nauryz is a holiday of spring, a holiday of the New Year for many peoples. The traditions of celebrating this day go back centuries, since Nauryz is a pagan holiday that appeared long before the formation of the main world religions. According to scientists, Nauryz is already several thousand years old. Nauryz is a holiday of renewal and the coming of the New Year according to the solar calendar. It is believed that on this day nature wakes up, good and grace descends to the earth, and no evil spirits can penetrate the people's dwelling. Nauryz is a bright and cheerful holiday.
On what date is Nauryz is celebrated, it is directly connected with the movement of the sun in the sky throughout the year. Nauryz on the day of the vernal equinox, when the day becomes approximately equal to the night. The very word "Nauryz" is formed from two ancient Iranian bases: "know" - the new and "Rose" - the day.
According to the legends about this holiday, the night before Nauryz is also very important. In the dark time, happiness goes on the earth, and in the morning grace, kindness and mercy descend to the earth. The night before Nauryz is also called the Night of Happiness.
In addition to faith in the descent of good spirits, the celebration of Nauryz is also associated with the understanding that it is in the springtime that the nature is renewed and a new annual cycle begins. It is from this day on the flowers begin to blossom, the steppes are covered with green grass and fresh herbs, which give livelihood to animals and, accordingly, food to people.
Traditions of the holiday Nauryz
The bright holiday of Nauryz as a day of peace and good has always been marked by noisy folk festivals, competitions in various sports disciplines and art, as well as abundant treats. The festive table, covered on this day, must necessarily contain a ritual dish, usually of meat. So, the Kazakhs have such a treat is "Nauryz skin", which in its composition symbolizes the seven elements of life that a person needs. At present, Nauryz skin includes meat and fat, water and salt, flour and cereals, as well as milk. This dish was supposed to give special power to all its tasted, and the large cauldron in which Nauryz's skin is being prepared symbolizes unity.
Traditional for the celebration of Nauryz are horse races, competitions in the ability to stay in the saddle and the dexterity of riders. Also on this day there are numerous festivals of national cultures,
This youth is especially fond of this holiday, as on this day you can loudly have fun, communicate, get acquainted, ride a swing, dance, play national games.
Nauryz is called not only the Vernal Equinox Day, but also the entire month following it - the first month of spring. Therefore, another tradition for the celebration of Nauryz is that many mothers of babies born this month choose for their children names that are consonant with the most cheerful and bright holiday of the year, for example, Nauryzbai, Nauryzbek or Nauryzgul, and Nauryz just .