Spring is coming to our country. Only a few days are left until Novruz holiday. It is customary to light a bonfire during the holiday.
“Elchi” reports that ready-made bonfires can also be found in stores currently.
How interesting are these bonfires, priced at 18 manats, to people?
Residents of the capital prefer lighting bonfires themselves rather than buying them. They consider bonfires at this price to be expensive:
“It’s more exciting when we light it ourselves. A bonfire at this price is a waste. 18 manats covers a family’s daily food needs.”
Where does the tradition of lighting bonfires come from and what is its meaning?
The tradition of lighting bonfires, one of the ancient traditions of the Azerbaijani people, is widely celebrated especially on the eve of Novruz holiday. This tradition has been preserved for millennia and has reached today, being considered an important part of the nation’s cultural memory.
According to historians, the roots of the bonfire lighting tradition go back to ancient times when people held fire sacred. Fire was considered a symbol of purity, light, and renewal in ancient Turkic and Eastern cultures. Especially during the Zoroastrian period, fire was considered sacred and held a special place in people’s lives. For this reason, the tradition of lighting fires was formed to mark the arrival of spring and the renewal of nature.
Lighting bonfires and jumping over them on the Wednesdays preceding Novruz are widespread customs. As people jump over the bonfire, they say “Let my burdens and misfortunes remain in the fire,” believing that the difficulties, illnesses, and failures of the old year will burn away and disappear in the fire. This ceremony also symbolizes people starting the new year with pure and sincere intentions.
Experts note that lighting bonfires carries not only religious or mythological significance but also serves to bring people together and strengthen unity and solidarity. Families, neighbors, and children gather around the bonfire, sharing the festive spirit and keeping national customs and traditions alive.
Even today, the bonfires lit on the eve of Novruz in Azerbaijan continue to live on as an important cultural tradition symbolizing the ancient beliefs of the people, their connection to nature, and their desire for renewal. (Milli.az)