BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 5. Today, Azerbaijan is
celebrating Od Chershenbesi (Fire Tuesday), one of the four festive
Tuesdays before Novruz Holiday, Trend reports.

The four Tuesdays in the run up to Novruz symbolize the four
elements called Su Chershenbesi (Water Tuesday), Od Chershenbesi
(Fire Tuesday), Torpag Chershenbesi (Earth Tuesday), and Hava or
Akhir Chershenbe (Wind or Last Tuesday).

Each Tuesday has its own traditions. Folk belief has it that
water purifies and stirs, fire, earth and wind awaken the nature,
and trees begin to blossom, symbolizing spring’s arrival.

Fire Tuesday honors fire. Fire means warmth and comfort. Ancient
legends associate fire with the Sun and light.

Fire is the symbol of purification and clarification. The fire
is never put out by water; it burns down by itself.

Fire is somewhat sacred in Azerbaijan, the Land of Fire. There
is a Zoroastrian pilgrimage in suburbs of Baku. Azerbaijan
historically had reserves of oil and gas that caused flames of fire
on the ground and this was interpreted as blessing.

On all four Tuesdays and on the eve of Novruz, and especially on
Fire Tuesday, it’s traditional to light bonfires, dance around
them, and jump over them to cleanse their souls and ward off evil
spirits.

Novruz holiday is one of the most important and favorite
holidays of the Azerbaijani people. It marks the arrival of spring,
renewal of nature, and is celebrated on the vernal equinox, March
20-21 – the beginning of the astronomical New Year.