Global Ecovillage Network/Solution Library/Hidrellez

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Celebration of the spring, gratitude for abundance and health, reconnecting with nature.

Hidrellez is one of the seasonal festivals of the Turkish world. Hidrellez Day is celebrated as the day on which the Prophets Hızır and Ilyas met with each other on the earth, which falls on May 6 in the Gregorian calendar. This meeting stands for the fusion of the land and water. May 6 represents the end of winter and the start of the warm days of summer, a cause for celebration.

One widespread belief suggests that Hızır is a prophet who has attained immortality by drinking the water of life (ab-ı hayat), and who has reached God, and wanders around among people from time to time, especially in the spring, helping people in difficulty, and distributing plenty and health. Various practices are performed on Hidrellez night in the belief that Hızır will bring blessing and abundance to the places he visits and the things he touches. Food bowls, pantries, and purses are left open.

Those who want a house, vineyard, or garden, believe that Hızır will help them obtain such things if they make a small model of what they want. Eating fresh spring plants, lamb’s meat, or lamb’s liver, is another custom in Hidrellez. Hidrellez, one of Turkey’s seasonal festivals, is actively celebrated in the country. People prepare beforehand for Hidrellez celebrations in villages and small towns, although rather less now in the big cities. These preparations concern house-cleaning, clean clothing, and food and drink.

Before Hidrellez Day, houses are cleaned from top to bottom, since people think that Hızır will not visit houses that are not clean. New clothes and shoes are purchased to wear on Hıdrellez Day. Hidrellez Festival is still celebrated with grand ceremonies in Anatolia, as it has been since ancient times. The arrival of spring and awakening of nature have been perceived as a phenomenon to be celebrated. Thus, Hidrellez, a spring festival, has gained a universal character.

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• http://www.kultur.gov.tr/EN*