Today marks the second Tuesday of Novruz – Fire Tuesday.

Axar.az reports fire has lived in the mind and thinking of the Turkic people as a symbol of sacredness, and this symbolism has survived to the present day.

The essence of Fire Tuesday reflects the belief that fire is sacred and that it cleanses people from all evil and misfortune, symbolizing the triumph of good.

This Tuesday originates from ancient people’s sacred belief in the Sun and fire. According to tradition, people light bonfires on this day and jump over the flames to burn away all inner impurity and illness.

As with the other Tuesdays, pots must boil on Fire Tuesday and the hearth must not be left empty. Lighting a fire or bonfire on this day is seen as a sign that the year will be warm and fruitful.

Since ancient times, people have protected and respected fire. A lit bonfire has always symbolized something significant. This can also be clearly seen in the epic Kitabi-Dede Qorqud. Long before Zoroastrianism, people symbolized fire — the earthly representation of the Sun that revives nature and warms the soil — in their beliefs. A conviction emerged that the more people cherished and praised the Sun and fire, the faster nature would warm and bring happiness to them.

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

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