BAKU: Today, Azerbaijan is celebrating Od Chershenbesi (Fire Tuesday), one of the four festive Tuesdays before Novruz Holiday, Trend reports.

The four Tuesdays in the run up to Novruz symbolize the four elements called Su Chershenbesi (Water Tuesday), Od Chershenbesi (Fire Tuesday), Torpag Chershenbesi (Earth Tuesday), and Hava or Akhir Chershenbe (Wind or Last Tuesday).

Each Tuesday has its own traditions. Folk belief has it that water purifies and stirs, fire, earth and wind awaken the nature, and trees begin to blossom, symbolizing spring’s arrival.

Fire Tuesday honors fire. Fire means warmth and comfort. Ancient legends associate fire with the Sun and light.

Fire is the symbol of purification and clarification. The fire is never put out by water; it burns down by itself.

Fire is somewhat sacred in Azerbaijan, the Land of Fire. There is a Zoroastrian pilgrimage in suburbs of Baku. Azerbaijan historically had reserves of oil and gas that caused flames of fire on the ground and this was interpreted as b
lessing.

On all four Tuesdays and on the eve of Novruz, and especially on Fire Tuesday, it’s traditional to light bonfires, dance around them, and jump over them to cleanse their souls and ward off evil spirits.

Novruz holiday is one of the most important and favorite holidays of the Azerbaijani people. It marks the arrival of spring, renewal of nature, and is celebrated on the vernal equinox, March 20-21 – the beginning of the astronomical New Year.

Source: Trend News Agency

Baku: First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva has made a post in her official Instagram account regarding the Fire Tuesday.

The post reads: ‘May the Almighty Allah grant robust health, abundant joy to everyone, good mood to every home and affluence to every hearth! Happy Fire Tuesday!’

Source: Azerbaijan State News Agency