Feast of the vernal equinox, which unites the peoples of Eurasia – KazInform

The holiday of the vernal equinox, which unites the peoples of Eurasia

ASTANA. KAZINFORM – The time when the center of the Sun in its apparent motion along the ecliptic intersects the celestial equator is called the equinox. Earth at this time is in a position relative to the Sun, when both hemispheres, from the equator to the poles, heated relatively the same that happens twice a year: on the day of the vernal equinox and the autumnal equinox.

The vernal equinox occurs when the Sun moves from the southern hemisphere to the northern celestial sphere. Because the time interval between two successive passages of the Sun through the same point of the equinox (the tropical year) does not coincide with the duration of calendar years, the equinoxes of the year to move with respect to the calendar day. In the simple moments of the year equinox occur 5 hours 48 minutes 46 seconds later than the preceding, and in a leap – 18 hours 11 minutes 14 seconds earlier; therefore the equinoxes can occur in two neighboring calendar dates.

In 2015, the vernal equinox occurred on March 21 in 4 hours 45 minutes Astana time.

From the day of the vernal equinox seasons hemispheric change. In the southern hemisphere astronomical autumn comes, and in the North – an astronomical spring, which lasts until the day of the summer solstice (June 21).

On the days of the vernal equinox knew the ancient scholars from China, India , Egypt. In the ancient days of the vernal equinox considered a great holiday.

In religion in ancient times, the day of the vernal equinox also was given great importance. Date of Easter holiday, which is celebrated every year at different times, measured from the vernal equinox as follows: March 21 – the first full moon – the first Sunday, and that was considered a holiday, RIA Novosti reported.

Many people have retained the vernal equinox as a holiday in the calendar. For example, in Persian it is called Nowruz, which means “new day”. Rooted in the tradition of ancient farmers of the Middle East and Central Asia, the holiday has become an integral part of the culture of many peoples professing Islam. CIS equinox as a national holiday is celebrated Tatars, Kazakhs, Bashkir, Kyrgyz, Tajiks, Uzbeks, and many other nations. In some countries Nowruz declared a public holiday, and on March 21 – the day off. In Japan, the vernal equinox is called chi and Syumbun but also celebrated as a holiday.

Roots spring equinox Nowruz holiday leave in Zoroastrianism, it began to celebrate in the north-eastern Iran over three thousand years ago, Nowruz and gradually spread to all neighboring countries.

Nowruz has an ancient history. In the poem “Shahnameh” began its celebration associated with the beginning of the reign of Shah Jamshid, hence the commonly used name of the holiday – “Jamshidi Nowruz” and the tradition of the coronation Shahov that day.

However, Nowruz – is first of all, the festival of agriculture, symbolizing the coming of spring, the awakening of the earth, hope for a rich harvest. It is associated with the equality of day and night – the moment when the season starts to grow and prosper.

According to tradition, before the holiday people must bring order to the homes and businesses – to pay off all debts. And when it comes Nowruz, covered the holiday table. Meals are prepared from seven ingredietnov mainly plant. One of the main treats usually sumalyak – a dish from germinated wheat germ.

Also on the table are served necessarily rosy round cakes cereal, symbolizing spring sun.

According to Rosbalt, Iran celebration usually lasts for 13 days, of which the first 5 days of the meeting dedicated to Nowruz and visiting relatives and friends. The ninth day is known as “the shah’s Nowruz”, and the thirteenth day – as Senzdah-Bedar (“Thirteenth out»).

In ancient times, this festival was also dedicated to direct fire, which the ancients zoroastristy thought vitality and worshiped him. Perhaps this is why in some countries, such as Azerbaijan, preserved the tradition of Nowruz to kindle a fire, which is called “Donggang,” and seven times to jump through it.

It is interesting that in 2010 the world celebrated International Day of Nowruz. This holiday was officially included in the calendar of the United Nations on the proposal of the governments of several countries: Albania, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Macedonia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Turkey.

A to this, in 2009, Nowruz was included in the List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

According to the UN, this festival promotes the values ​​of peace, solidarity and good neighborliness.

So, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said: “I hope that people around the world will celebrate this day. And let during crises, shocks and changes that are taking place, in particular, and in the very regions where the tradition of celebrating the holiday spirit of Nowruz prevail! ».

Kazakhstan Nowruz meiramy, after a long break in the Soviet period, again became celebrated since the late 80s, and in 2001 declared a public holiday lasts for three days – from 21 to 23 March.

U Kazakhs Nowruz has another name – “Ұlystyң uly kүnі”, which means “The Great Day of the people.” This once again characterizes Nauryz as a truly popular festival, unlike the others, including introduced for political reasons.

In the life of the Kazakh people Nowruz always had a special significance, and it reflected in the poetry in the language. Nauryz is called the first month of spring, Nowruz composed of songs. Plant primula (primrose) is called Nowruz Sesheke. Set of Kazakhs was named Nowruz, including one of the most famous Kazakh warriors-generals – Nauryzbaev Kutgymbetuly, fought in the 18th century against Jungars.

Nowruz today – a holiday that a people to communicate, to the friendliness and tranquility. The Kazakhs in the celebration of Nowruz has long been entrenched national traditions – in these days of festivities were held with swings – altybakan, wrestling, aitys. Now these traditions creatively develop into a mass sports and entertainment events, concerts and theatrical performances, fairs.