Water Tuesday symbolizes fertility, purity, and renewal

Baku, February 24, AZERTAC

In human memory, spring is not merely a change of season — it is the rebirth of hope and the awakening of life itself. As the sun grows warmer, rivers flow more freely, and the soil softens and breathes, the human spirit is also renewed.

According to ancient belief, the universe and life are based on four elements — water, fire, air (wind), and earth. The arrival of Novruz symbolizes the reawakening of these primordial forces of nature.

This year, Water Tuesday falls on February 24, Fire Tuesday on March 3, Wind Tuesday on March 10, and Earth (Last) Tuesday on March 17. Nature’s awakening begins with water, gains warmth through fire, comes alive with the wind, and reaches completion with the earth.

Atesh Ahmadli, PhD, a leading researcher in ceremonial folklore at the Institute of Folklore of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS), shared his insights on Water Tuesday with AZERTAC.

Water Tuesday – The Beginning of Spring

The folklorist noted that Water Tuesday, one of the four main Tuesdays preceding the Novruz holiday, is also known among the people as the “First Tuesday.” According to ancient beliefs, water was the first element created at the origin of the universe and was regarded as the source of life.

For this reason, Water Tuesday symbolizes not only the arrival of spring but also renewal, purity, and abundance. On this day, people place special faith in the power of water and perform various traditions and rituals, seeking both spiritual and physical cleansing.

In folklore, water is portrayed as a sacred beginning. It is associated with beauty and even divinity due to its sanctity. Water is considered a fundamental element in the creation of the world.

Overall, the Tuesdays preceding Novruz are not ordinary days; they mark the renewal and transformation of the year and herald its beginning.

“False Tuesdays”

According to Atesh Ahmadli, each Tuesday leading up to Novruz carries its own unique energy and meaning. However, folk belief holds that not every Tuesday observed in February is genuine — some are referred to as “thief” or “false Tuesdays.”

This belief stems from the temporary warming of the weather, the brief appearance of sunshine, and the feeling that spring has arrived. Yet soon afterward, snowfall and frost return, revealing that spring has not fully set in. These Tuesdays are seen as deceptive transitions, momentarily misleading people but ultimately guiding them toward the true Tuesdays.

Regional Traditions of Water Tuesday

Across Azerbaijan, Water Tuesday is marked by distinctive local customs. In mountainous regions such as Guba and Gusar, residents visit rivers early in the morning, collect water, and sprinkle it in their yards and at the base of trees, believing it will bring prosperity and abundance.

In some areas, river water is brought home in clay vessels, and washing with it is believed to protect against misfortune throughout the year. In certain villages, it is customary to pour water at the entrance of the house early in the morning and tie a red ribbon — a ritual believed to bring happiness to the family.

Whispers to Flowing Water

Even today, people make wishes at springs, whispering their hopes to the flowing water and sincerely seeking renewal. Although myths evolve over time, the spirit of Water Tuesday — faith in purity, abundance, and new beginnings — remains unchanged.

This tradition teaches respect for the past while embracing the future with hope. Water Tuesday reminds us that every flow in life and every new beginning must be guided by sincerity and belief.

Spring will arrive in Azerbaijan on March 20 at 18:45:53 Baku time, when day and night are equal in length. At that moment, the Sun, moving along the ecliptic, will cross the equator from the Southern Hemisphere to the Northern Hemisphere. From then on, the Northern Hemisphere will welcome spring, while the Southern Hemisphere will enter autumn. Spring will last 92 days, 17 hours, 38 minutes, and 28 seconds.

Wishing you a joyful Water Tuesday!