In Azerbaijani culture, the arrival of a new life is celebrated with rich traditions that reflect deep-rooted customs and a profound appreciation for family. When a girl gets married, it is customary for family and friends to bless her with good wishes for her future. As a symbolic gesture, the bride is invited to hold a baby from her close relatives, signifying hopes for motherhood. Upon her arrival at her husband’s home, her veil is ceremoniously removed and tossed onto the branches of a fruit-bearing tree, symbolizing fertility and the desire for a fruitful life ahead. Additionally, a baby is placed on the bed prepared for the newlyweds, further expressing the community’s wish to see the bride embrace her role as a future mother.
Throughout her pregnancy, a woman is encouraged to maintain a warm and friendly demeanor. It is believed that surrounding herself with beauty—such as vibrant colors, calm waters, and a clear blue sky—will positively influence the birth of a healthy and beautiful child. This emphasis on positivity and aesthetics reflects the cultural belief in the connection between a mother’s emotional state and her child’s well-being.
Once the baby is born, a series of rituals unfold. After the umbilical cord is cut, the newborn is bathed, often with a pinch of salt added to the water. This practice is thought to instill qualities of truthfulness, courage, and intelligence in the child. During this bathing ceremony, the mother remains at a distance, honoring tradition, but is reunited with her baby afterward, marking the beginning of their inseparable bond.
Childbirth is a momentous occasion, celebrated with great joy within the family. The bride’s mother plays a special role during this time, taking charge of preparing the bed for her grandchild. As soon as the baby arrives, the grandmother begins her preparations for the celebratory festivities. She crafts a bed adorned with silk, purchases a cradle, and decorates all gifts with red ribbons, symbolizing love and protection.
Tradition dictates that the newborn is visited by family and friends 40 days after birth, bringing gifts and blessings. It is customary to place money in the cradle, a gesture meant to ensure prosperity for the child as they grow.
When the child begins to sprout their first teeth, a special meal made from seven grains is prepared, followed by a ritual that is believed to encourage the quick and healthy growth of teeth. This practice highlights the community’s involvement in nurturing the child’s development.
Moreover, a significant milestone occurs when the child celebrates their first birthday. It is only after this momentous occasion that their fingernails and hair can be cut for the first time, marking a transition into a new phase of life.
These childbirth traditions in Azerbaijan not only celebrate the joy of new beginnings but also weave a tapestry of cultural values, emphasizing family, community, and the hopes and dreams for future generations.
After Azerbaijan regained its independence from the Soviet Union, Martyrs’ Day was officially declared a national holiday. In 2010, the government honored the memory of the victims by establishing a memorial in the Yasamal District of Baku. This memorial, known as Shekhid Alley (Martyrs’ Lane), features the names of each national hero who perished during the Black January events inscribed on its walls, serving as a lasting tribute to their bravery.
Every year, on January 20, the people of Azerbaijan come together to commemorate this tragic event with a large, solemn procession to the memorial. Participants lay flowers and pay their respects, honoring the memory of those who lost their lives in the pursuit of justice and freedom.