Türkiye
participants
To promote intercultural dialogue by encouraging students to take part in a traditional Hidirellez spring celebration.
Students gathered in the park, where they were given a short briefing by the Organising Committee (OC) about the plan for the day.
First, the history of Hidirellez was explained, covering its origins from Sumerian mythology to Islamic sources. Information was also shared about different rituals performed across Anatolia, such as jumping over fire and eating salty bread before going to sleep.
Papers were then handed out to the students by the OC. Wishes were written and drawn on the paper as if they had already come true. Although these papers were traditionally supposed to be buried under a rose bush in bloom, the lack of flowering roses meant they were buried under other flowers instead. The event finished with the participants feeling very impressed by this tradition.
