Baku: Today, Azerbaijan is celebrating the Earth or Last Tuesday (Ilakhir Charshanba), one of the four festive Tuesdays before Novruz Holiday, APA reports. The four Tuesdays leading up to Novruz symbolize the four elements: Su Charshanbasi (Water Tuesday), Od Charshanbasi (Fire Tuesday), Hava Charshanbasi (Wind Tuesday), and Torpag Charshanbasi (Earth or Last Tuesday). According to Azeri-Press News Agency, each Tuesday carries its own traditions. Folk belief suggests that water purifies and stirs, while fire, earth, and wind awaken nature, prompting trees to blossom and signifying the arrival of spring. The Last Tuesday is distinct from the others due to its significance. This day is not merely a holiday but is also regarded as the most cherished and sacred day of the year for Azerbaijanis, when they exhibit qualities such as benevolence, hospitality, and humanity. A key feature of the Last Tuesday is the Khoncha (xonça), a tray laden with sweets, nuts, candles, and other treats. Each sweet prepared for Nov ruz has a symbolic meaning: Pakhlava represents the four parts of the world, goghal symbolizes the sun, shakarbura signifies the moon, and the painted eggs are a symbol of life. Samani (green sprouting wheat) is placed in the center of the tray, tied with a red ribbon. On this Tuesday, ceremonies, games, and entertainment are organized to provide psychological and aesthetic renewal for the new year. In the Papaqatdi (hat throwing) tradition, children place hats under neighbors' doors and hide, awaiting the neighbors to fill the hats with holiday treats. Young people and children also partake in games like dasmalatdi (throwing kerchief), shalsallama (shaking the shawl), gurshagatdi (throwing the belt), and gurshagsallama (shaking the belt), as well as Kosa-Kosa, Chovgan (polo), Fincan-Fincan (cups), Gashig oyunu (game with spoons), and clashing eggs. On all four Tuesdays and on the eve of Novruz, particularly on Fire Tuesday, lighting bonfires, dancing around them, and jumping over them are traditions meant to cleanse souls and ward off evil spirits. The traditions, rituals, and entertainment of Novruz Tuesday hold a vital place in Azerbaijani culture. They have deep roots in the past and are reflected in historical and archaeological findings such as the rock drawings of Qobustan. Novruz holiday is one of the most significant and beloved holidays for Azerbaijani people, marking the arrival of spring and the renewal of nature. It is celebrated during the vernal equinox, March 20-21, which signifies the beginning of the astronomical New Year.