Celebrating Thanksgiving In Azerbaijan: Traditions And Culture

Thanksgiving is a federal holiday in the United States, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. It is not an official holiday in Azerbaijan, but some Azerbaijanis with connections to the United States or American culture may choose to celebrate it. The culture of Azerbaijan is one of relaxed and joyful living, with an emphasis on sharing and being close with others. Azerbaijani holidays are characterised by traditional dishes and sweets, music, dance, and warm conversations with loved ones.

Azerbaijan's non-working religious holidays

Azerbaijan is a highly secular country, and only two religious days are non-working public holidays: Ramadan and Gurban Bayrami (or Eid al-Adha).

Ramadan

Also known as Eid al-Fitr, this is a significant religious festival celebrated by Muslims to mark the end of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting. In Azerbaijan, two days off work are granted to celebrate the holiday. People assemble in mosques to pray, gather with families and friends to feast, and give small gifts to children. It is also obligatory to make a financial donation to the poor so that they can join in the celebrations.

Gurban Bayrami (Feast of Sacrifice)

Also known as Eid al-Adha, this is an Islamic holiday that honours the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. Traditionally, Gurban Bayrami lasts for three consecutive days, two of which are state holidays in Azerbaijan. The celebrations centre around the sacrifice of an animal, usually a sheep, whose meat is then divided into three parts to be shared with family, the poor, and friends.

Other Religious Holidays

Although not public holidays, Azerbaijanis of the Shia faith also celebrate the Day of Ashura, a Shia mourning day in the Islamic calendar. Religious minorities, mainly Orthodox Christians and Jews, also celebrate notable religious days of their faith.

Novruz

Although Novruz is not a non-working public holiday, it is worth noting as it is a significant celebration in Azerbaijan. Originally a religious Zoroastrian holiday, Novruz is now celebrated by Azerbaijanis of all faiths to mark the arrival of spring. Novruz spans three days, falling on the 20th, 21st, and 22nd of March. Customs during Novruz include the thorough cleaning of one's home, baking traditional sweets, and children engaging in playful activities like jumping over fires.

The history of Azerbaijan's Novruz holiday

Azerbaijan's Novruz holiday, also known as Novruz Bayram, is a celebration with deep historical roots. It is a traditional holiday that marks the astronomical spring equinox and the arrival of spring. While it is currently treated as an official public holiday in Azerbaijan, Novruz celebrations were generally unofficial and sometimes even prohibited during the country's time as part of the Soviet Union.

Novruz is believed to have ancient origins, dating back 3500-5000 years to the period of the prophet Zardush. Scientific research suggests that the holiday was established in 505 B.C. and was celebrated in ancient Babylon for 12 days beginning in March or April. Despite its ancient history, the holiday has evolved and continues to be a significant part of Azerbaijani culture.

Novruz is a family holiday that spans three days, from March 20th to 22nd, and is filled with various traditions and ceremonies. The festivities begin four Wednesdays before March 21st, with each Wednesday dedicated to one of the four elements: water, fire, wind, and soil. People perform house cleaning, plant trees, make new clothes, paint eggs, and prepare traditional pastries and cuisine. On the holiday eve, families gather for a special dinner, and the celebration continues with public dancing, contests, and entertainment.

The holiday holds symbolic significance, with traditions like jumping over bonfires, lighting candles, and decorating a festive table called "khoncha" with a large tray of "samani" (green wheat shoots), candles, and dyed eggs. The number seven is considered auspicious, with customs dictating that there should be seven dishes on the table, all starting with the letter 's' in Azerbaijani.

Novruz is not just about family but also about social connections. People visit friends, exchange gifts, and spend quality time with loved ones. It is a time of joy, unity, and celebration of nature's rebirth, marking the end of winter and the arrival of spring.

How Azerbaijanis express gratitude

Azerbaijanis express gratitude in several ways, reflecting their culture of relaxed and joyful living. Here are some examples:

• Celebrating Holidays: Azerbaijanis cherish their holidays, which offer a blend of cultural traditions, nature's beauty, and cherished moments with family and friends. One notable holiday is Novruz Bayram, an ancient festival marking the awakening of nature after winter. This three-day celebration is filled with traditional sweets, playful activities for children, and meaningful gatherings for adults. It's a time for social connections and sharing joyful moments with loved ones.
• Exchanging Gifts: During special occasions, such as New Year's Day and religious holidays like Eid al-Fitr, Azerbaijanis express their gratitude by exchanging gifts with family and friends.
• Feasting and Sharing Meals: Azerbaijanis often express their gratitude through food. They relish preparing and savouring traditional dishes and sweets, such as plov, qutab, and baklava. Sharing meals is a significant part of their culture, fostering warmth and togetherness.
• Warm Hospitality: Azerbaijanis are known for their warm hospitality. They delight in engaging in meaningful conversations and sharing joyful moments with loved ones and guests.
• Community and Unity: Azerbaijani holidays play a pivotal role in nurturing a sense of community. These celebrations transcend cultural differences and promote unity and understanding among diverse groups within the country.
• Religious Expressions: During religious holidays like Eid al-Fitr, Muslims in Azerbaijan express their gratitude to Allah for the strength to complete the fasting period during Ramadan. They also extend their gratitude to family and friends, creating a sense of unity and togetherness.
• National Pride and Remembrance: Azerbaijanis take pride in their nation's history and independence. They commemorate significant events, such as the founding of the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan and victories in warfare. These remembrances foster a sense of national identity and gratitude for their country's achievements.

The influence of American expats on Azerbaijan's Thanksgiving celebrations

Thanksgiving is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. It is not an official holiday in Azerbaijan, but it is celebrated by American expats in the country.

In addition, American expats may engage in charitable activities, such as offering Thanksgiving dinner to the poor or participating in food drives. The spirit of gratitude and giving thanks is also embraced by the expat community, reflecting the core sentiment of the holiday.

The influence of American expats has resulted in a growing interest in Thanksgiving among locals in Azerbaijan. While it is not an official holiday, some locals have embraced the idea of a holiday centered around thankfulness and joined the expats in their celebrations. This exchange of cultural traditions fosters unity and understanding between the American expat community and their Azerbaijani friends and neighbors.

Thanksgiving celebrations in Azerbaijan, influenced by American expats, showcase the resilience and adaptability of expats celebrating their traditions abroad while also integrating into the local culture. It is a unique blend of American and Azerbaijani cultures, creating a special celebration for those far from home.

How Azerbaijanis celebrate their own holidays

Azerbaijan has a rich culture and history, which is reflected in its wide array of holidays and celebrations. These occasions are a testament to the country's cultural diversity and unity, offering a delightful blend of ancient customs and modern festivities. Here is an overview of how Azerbaijanis celebrate their holidays:

Novruz Bayram

Novruz Bayram, also known as Novruz, is a significant festival in Azerbaijan, symbolizing the arrival of spring and the awakening of nature. This ancient holiday, celebrated for three days on March 20-22, has deep historical roots, predating Islam in the country. During Novruz Bayram, Azerbaijanis engage in various traditions, including a thorough cleaning of their homes, baking traditional sweets like shekerbura and pahlava, and partaking in playful activities such as jumping over fires. It is a time for family gatherings, social connections, and sharing joyful moments with loved ones.

New Year's Day

New Year's Day is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Azerbaijan. The festivities begin well in advance, with people decorating their homes with evergreen trees and partaking in extensive shopping excursions. The celebration starts on the evening of December 31 with a grand feast, and children receive gifts from Shakhta Baba (Father Frost) and Karkyz (Snow Maiden). At midnight, spectacular fireworks light up the sky, with the most impressive displays occurring at the Baku Boulevard in the capital city.

Ramazan Bayram

Ramazan Bayram, also known as Eid al-Fitr, is a religious festival celebrated by Muslims in Azerbaijan. It marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, during which people fast and engage in spiritual introspection. On Ramazan Bayram, people attend prayers and sermons at mosques in the morning and then gather with their families and friends for a grand feast. Traditional dishes such as plov (savory rice with meat and vegetables), qutab (stuffed pancakes), and baklava are shared during this festive occasion.

National Holidays

Azerbaijan also observes several national holidays that hold great importance in the country. These include Independence Day, commemorating the declaration of independence by the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic on May 28, 1918; National Salvation Day, celebrating the return of Heydar Aliyev to lead the country in 1993; Armed Forces Day, marking the birth of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces in June 1918; and Victory Day, commemorating the victory over fascism in World War II. These holidays are often marked by military parades, fireworks, and cultural events.

Other Celebrations

In addition to the holidays mentioned above, Azerbaijanis also celebrate Women's Day on March 8, honoring women's rights and achievements; Martyrs' Day on January 20, commemorating the victims of the tragic "Black January" in 1990; and Solidarity Day of World Azerbaijanis on December 31, celebrating the reunification of Azerbaijanis living on both sides of the former border with Iran.

Frequently asked questions