Today is Çarşema Sor, or Red Wednesday, the most important religious festival among Kurdish Yazidis. It is the Yazidi New Year and is one of the oldest traditions of the Kurdish Yazidi people. This celebration symbolizes the renewal of nature, the beginning of life, and the creation of the world.
Çarşema Sor is celebrated on the first Wednesday of the month of April according to the Eastern calendar. In the Gregorian calendar, it usually falls in mid-April. For Kurdish Yazidis, this day represents the start of a new year and a new cycle of life.
Kurdish Yazidis believe that on this day, God created the world and brought life into it. That is why this festival is seen as the beginning of existence and life.
A central belief is that Tawûsê Melek (the Peacock Angel), the highest of all angels, came down to earth on this day. He is believed to have brought order, life, and beauty to the world, especially through the colors of spring.
Traditions and customs
One of the most well-known traditions is coloring boiled eggs in bright colors such as red, yellow, green, and white. The egg represents the earth and life while the colors represent nature and spring. Cracking the egg symbolizes the beginning of life.
People also hang red spring flowers (especially poppies) along with colored eggshells on their doors. This is believed to bring blessings, protection, and good luck for the new year.
Many Kurdish Yazidis travel to Lalish, their holiest place. There, on Tuesday evening, they light 365 lamps, symbolizing the days of the year and spreading light to the world.
People visit the graves of their loved ones, prepare food, and share it with the poor. This reflects kindness, respect, and community spirit.
The month of Nisan is considered sacred, therefore certain activities are avoided. For example, Kurdish Yazidis believe that “April is the bride of the year,” so no other weddings should take place during this time. They also think that the earth is not disturbed to protect nature and growing plants during this important season of renewal.
Çarşema Sor carries important messages for the Yazidi people, like respect for nature, peace and harmony, renewal and hope as well as love for life.
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