Today in Azerbaijan they celebrate Torpag Chershenbesi (Earth Tuesday)

Today in Azerbaijan, they celebrate the last Tuesday before Novruz Bayram - Torpag Chershenbesi, or Ilakhyr.

Unlike previous Tuesdays, this day is celebrated especially solemnly by the people. The celebration continues all day and reaches its peak by evening.

Torpag Chershenbesi is a day when our ancestors paid tribute to mother earth, her riches and generosity. It is filled with various rituals that symbolize prosperity in the coming year, liberation from hardships and troubles. In the past, in villages, each family would light torches on the roof of their house, one for each family member. Today, instead of torches, candles are lit in homes according to the number of family members.

Another tradition of the last Tuesday celebration is fortune-telling with a ring. According to folk beliefs, on this day, one should not give away salt, water, money, bread, matches, oil, and dairy products from the house. Torpag Chershenbesi must be celebrated at home, otherwise, you will celebrate this day away from your home hearth for seven years.

This is truly a nationally beloved holiday - a holiday of goodness, hope, and peace.