Hıdrellez is an element of the common intangible cultural heritage of Republic of Macedonia and Republic of Turkey that has been transmitting from generation to generation through centuries. Spring Celebration: Hıdrellez contains four domains of intangible heritage which are oral traditions and expression; performing arts; social practices, rituals and festive events; knowledge and practices concerning nature.
The name of the element is also known as Hiderlez, Edirlez, Erdelezi, Herderlezi in Republic of Macedonia and Hıdırellez, Hızır-İlyas, Ederlezi, Kakava, Haftamal, Eğrilce, Eğrice in Republic of Turkey.
“Hıdrellez” is a compound name derived from “Hıdır” and “İlyas”. They are believed to be sacred characters who meet each other once in a year on May 6th and are considered to be the protectors of earth and water as well as helpers of individuals, families and communities. The day, May 6th, is accepted and celebrated as Spring Day, awakening of nature. Spring Celebration: Hıdrellez has been maintained in both countries today with various ceremonies and rituals connected to the nature. All these practices are performed for providing well-being, fertility and prosperity of family and community, protecting livestock and crops for the upcoming year.
Spring Celebration: Hıdrellez as a multinational element enables those people who come from different backgrounds to realize similarities in the celebrating practices and rituals of the element. Raising awareness of similarities among the related communities, groups and individuals serve as a medium for cultural dialogue and open new cultural corridors to enhance the cultural interaction, mutual understanding and respect.
Spring Celebration: Hıdrellez was inscribed on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on behalf of Turkey and Macedonia as multinational element at the 12th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage held between 4-9 December 2017 in South Korea’s Jeju Island.
Kaynak: https://ich.unesco.org/doc/download.php?versionID=43732 (14 Aralık 2017 tarihinde erişildi.)