Novruz at Comenius University

Novruz is one of the most important holidays in Azerbaijan. Translated from Persian, “Novruz” means “a new day” – it announces the arrival of spring and the beginnin of a new year. Novruz is celebrated not only in Azerbaijan, but also in Iran, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and other countries of Central Asia.

In Azerbaijan, Novruz is considered as official public holiday, therefore days days from 19.3 – 25. 3. 2012 are considered as non-working.

Novruz has a very long history, it was celebrated already in Akkadian, Babylonian and Sumerian empire.

The first day of Novruz coincides with the day of the astronomical vernal equinox, when day and night equal in lenght.

Preparations for the holiday begin early – people clean their houses, plant trees, paint eggs and bake traditional sweets, such as baklava, shor gogal and shekerbura.

Each of the forthcoming Tuesday prior to Novruz is devoted to one of the elements, namely water (“water Tuesday”), fire (“fire Tuesday”), wind (“wind Tuesday”) and earth (“earth Tuesday” or “the last Tuesday”). During these days, people jump over bonfires to get rid of old sins.

The festive table is set with 7 meals which names begin on letter “s”: wheat sprouts (semeni), milk (sud) etc. Sprouts symbolize new life and dishes correspond the number of meals that were given to people by God. Painted eggs, a mirror as a symbol of luck and candles are on the table as well.
Azerbaijan as “a land of fire”, where The Zoroastrian cult of fire had been spread, has been connected with this element for centuries, therefore torches and candles light not only the homes of people, but decorate the streets of towns as well.

On the occasion of Novruz, Honorary consulate of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Bratislava, with the support of Faculty of Arts at Comenius University, organized a meeting of foreign students, who celebrate this holiday, with Slovak students. The meeting took place on March 22, 2012 at the department of history.

Students were greeted by Prof. Miroslav Daniš. Professor spoke about activities of the department focused at informing students, academia and public in general about the history and culture of Azerbaijan. Nowadays, History of Azerbaijan has been taught at the department and a book “History of Azerbaijan” is to be published in Slovak language soon.

Afterwards, a speech by the Honorary consul of Azerbaijan, His Excellency Džalal Gasymov, was delivered. He greeted the students and wished them a happy New Year. A short lecture about the traditions on Novruz followed.

Students have an opportunity to see traditional Azerbaijani products (carpets, souvenirs) and take publications about Azerbaijan for free. Atmosphere was created by Azerbaijani music and a short film about the capital Baku.

Sweet pastry baklava and shererbura, dried fruits, dates and refreshment were offered to the guests as well.