Word Origins | Hıdrellez

1. Kardeş olduklarına ve yılda bir defa buluştuklarına inanılan Hızır ve İlyas peygamberlerin yazın başlangıcı olarak kabul edilen 6 Mayıs târihine rastlayan buluşma günleri.

2. Her yıl 6 Mayıs gününde özellikle Anadolu’da halk arasında büyük bir coşkunlukla ve bayram gibi çeşitli eğlencelerle kutlanan geleneksel gün, bahar bayramı: Baharı hıdrellezin gelişinden anlayan eski İstanbullular’ın keyif ehli o gün çantasını, sepetini nevâle ile doldurur (…) İstanbul’un güzel köşelerine koşarak orada geç vakte kadar eğlenir dururdu (Mehmet Z. Pakalın).

hidr (Arabic: ٱلْخَضِر‎, romanized: al-Khaḍir), also transcribed as al-Khadir, Khader, Khizr, al-Khidr, Khazer, Khadr, Khedher, Khizir, and Khizar, is a figure described but not mentioned by name in the Quran as a righteous servant of God possessing great wisdom or mystic knowledge. In various Islamic and non-Islamic traditions, Khidr is described as a messenger, prophet, wali, slave, or angel who guards the sea, teaches secret knowledge, and aids those in distress. As guardian angel, he prominently figures as patron of the Islamic saint Ibn Arabi. The figure of al-Khidr has been syncretized. In 2017, it was inscribed in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists of North Macedonia and Turkey.

The word Hıdırellez, born out as a compound form of Hızır and İlyas, they are regarded as two different persons. In respect to religious sources, there are several references on İlyas; However, there is no slight mention about Hızır. The perception of seeing Hızır and İlyas as identical arises from the fact that İlyas stands as an obscure figure within the context of Tasavvuf (Sufism) and popular piety when compared to Hızır and there are numerous legends on Hızır, whereas little is known about İlyas and furthermore, there are many great maqams of Hızır, yet there are only few maqams for İlyas. Ali the Fourth Caliph is associated with Hızır within Alevi-Bektaşi belief system.

St. George is the figure corresponding to Hızır in Christianity. Besides being associated with St. George, Hızır is also identified with İlyas Horasani, St. Theodore and St. Sergios. St. George[1] believed by Muslims to be identical with Hızır, is also believed to be similar to some Muslim saints; St. George is identified with Torbalı Sultan and Cafer Baba in Thessaly, Karaca Ahmet Sultan in Skopje, which is a mounting evidence how St. George and Hızır have influenced St. George’s Day and Hıdrellez Day ceremonies.

The other names of the element used in different regions of Turkey are "Hıdrellez, Hızır-ilyas, Ederlez, Tepreş, Haftamal, Eğrice", and also "Kakava" among Roma in Edirne and Kırklareli. The element is also known as "Tepreş" among Crimean Tatars who live in Northern Dobruja (Romania). Dita e Shëngjergjit (Albania), Gergyovden (Bulgaria), Djurdjevdan (Serbia) Shëngjergji, Gjurgjovden, Erdelezi, Agiu Giorgi, Hıderles (North Macedonia), Khider-Elyas (Iraq), khidr-Elyas, Mar Elyas, Mar Georgeos (Syria).

Hıdırellez celebrations typically include picnics in the countryside by the water (streams, rivers, lakes or other water springs). This tradition stems from a widespread belief suggesting that al-Khidr drunk the water of life to become immortal. Festive meals usually include roasted lamb and other special dishes.

Many people believe that the prayers and wishes come true on the eve of Hıdırellez, especially if one prays by the water. Occasionally, people would write their wishes or prayers on small pieces of paper and toss them into a nearby river. One more ritual associated with the holiday is jumping over the fire at least three times. Hıdırellez fires are believed to protect from all illnesses or diseases for all the year long. The belief in the purifying power of fire also has a pagan origin. Beltane and other spring and summer festivals also have the tradition of lighting bonfires.