Today, Azerbaijan is celebrating Water Tuesday.

Axar.az reports that preparations for the Novruz holiday begin with Water Tuesday.

According to beliefs, since God first created water, Water Tuesday is celebrated as the first of the four Tuesdays. Some sources also call it the “primordial Tuesday” or “flower Tuesday.” On this day, the revival of water is believed to manifest itself. Ancient beliefs say that this Tuesday marks the beginning of the worship of water. It is believed that “fresh water” — foamy white water collected before dawn — is considered a cure for many ailments.

Novruz, which heralds the arrival of spring, is also regarded as the beginning of the year. For this reason, people wish for the coming year to be as pure and beautiful as water. Lighting the first bonfire on Water Tuesday symbolizes the melting of ice and that winter is now behind us.

On Water Tuesday, placing water on the table and having it spill is considered a good omen. It is believed that if water spills on your table, the year will bring abundance and prosperity. Crossing over still, silent water on this day is considered a sign of bad luck.On this day, bonfires are lit in everyone’s yard, signaling that the festive spirit is approaching. Throwing water on one another is also seen as a sign of good fortune.

It should be noted that Fire Tuesday will be celebrated on March 3, Wind Tuesday on March 10, and the final Tuesday — Earth Tuesday — on March 17.

Spring will arrive in Azerbaijan on March 20 at 18:45:53 Baku time. Novruz will be celebrated in Azerbaijan on March 20–21.