Hidrellez

Mediterranean coast is a true paradise, inhabited by people thousands of years ago. Spring is the most wonderful time there. In Turkey, the beginning of spring is a national holiday...

How they meet spring in Turkey

Turkey is very lucky with the coastline. The coast of this country is one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean area. In Turkey, however, there is the longest and most beautiful beach in Europe with the most clean, "golden" sand. The sea is very clear; its coast is inhabited by rare marine turtles and even... seals! In spring, Turkey, being a very beautiful country, just blooms. And Turkish people are celebrating the beginning of this season officially. Well, where else in the world the beginning of spring is a national holiday?

History

For the first time they began to celebrate this holiday on the territory of modern Turkey... when there was no Turkey at all, as well as Byzantium and even the Roman Empire. That was the era of the ancient Sumerian and Hittite kingdoms, when the rivers were flooding and the fields and forests becoming green. Farmers went out of their settlements to dance for the gods and make sacrifice. As time went on, the tribes and people who owned these lands changed, but the holiday remained. In Turkey, it was named Hidrellez. This word originated from Arabic. It became known as spring day thanks to Muslims who came to Asia Minor in the 11-13 centuries. Well, after Islam became the dominant religion on the territory of modern Turkey, Hidrellez is now celebrated nationwide.

When to celebrate

The holiday itself is not being celebrated on the 1 of March in accordance with calendar date, but... on the 5 or 6 of May. It is believed that on this day the prophet Hidir visits homes of ordinary people, giving health to people and livestock, and grants wishes of children. So on May, 4 all the houses in Turkey are busy with cleaning, so that the prophet could see cleanliness and order.

How to celebrate

In the morning all the Turks pray. After that they take lamb meat and go to the park or forest, or in a country house. It depends on their means. Outdoors men cook meat and women lay the table, while children are just play around. By the way, lamb is considered sacred, so it is agreed to donate some part of it to the poor neighbors. Charity in general is very developed in Turkey. After the meal, the fun begins. Young people play, girls tell fortunes and adults feast. On this day they hold festive parades and marches.