The arrival of spring signifies the adornment of our world with various flowers and soothing greens but also nourishes our souls. The arrival of spring, symbolizing the addition of joy to our days with the songs of birds and the circulation of happiness in our veins, is celebrated with Nawruz. Roots of Nawruz, which celebrates the awakening of nature, date back to the Persians. After the end of cold winter days, when plants start turning green in spring, allowing animals to graze and abundance to increase, the Persian King believed that this great blessing should be celebrated. Thus, the foundations of today’s Nawruz festival began at that time.
Turkey is a country where Nawruz is celebrated in various ways. Alevi people celebrate Nawruz as the awakening of nature and as the day God created the Earth. Houses get cleaned, clean clothes get worn, and young people go from house to house in groups, celebrating their festival together. For the Kurdish people, Nawruz is celebrated as the anniversary of lighting the fire of freedom against the oppression they have faced. Celebrated with the forging of iron in the ancient Turkic tribes, Nawruz symbolizes strength and unity. For Turkmen people, Nawruz is the beginning of the new year, believing that the more food prepared, the more prosperous the new year will be. Celebrated worldwide by various peoples on March 21 each year, this festival represents unity despite differences, as it brings together the same purpose and emotions. The most distinctive way of celebrating Nawruz is by jumping over the fire. Every nation celebrating Nawruz jumps over the fire. This fire is kindled until morning and is not allowed to be extinguished. As soon as the fire is lit until it goes out, songs are sung, dances are performed, and the festivities continue. The fire symbolizes evil spirits and past sins. Jumping over the fire signifies moving away from evil with the arrival of spring, cleansing, and being free from diseases and misfortune. People unite on that day to crown the new hopes and abundance that spring brings and celebrate this magnificent day.
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