Nardoqan
Nardoqan or Nardugan (Turkish: Nardoğan or Nardugan, Azeri Turkish: Narduqan) was a Turkic holiday concept that originated from Sumerian tradition. Nowadays, it is most commonly used to refer to the winter solstice in many Central Asia languages. It is also used as an equivalent name for the Christian holiday Christmas.
Etymology
The root of the word is not clear. But associated with following words;
And Turkic verb Doğmak (that means to born or to rise) merged and combined with this root.[1] Also it means the "Newborn Sun".[2]
Mythological Significance
Nardoqan or Narduğan was a Sumerian holiday, referred to the winter solstice. It was celebrated by Sumerians and later Turkic traditions on December 21, the longest night of the year and the night of the winter solstice. On this night, symbolizing old sun, becomes smaller as the days become shorter in the Northern Hemisphere, and dies on December 22, the winter solstice. It is said to be defeated by the dark and evil powers. On December 23 becomes the new sun.
See also
References
- ↑ Milli Dəyərlərimizi Araşdırarkən, Güllü Yoloğlu - "NARDOĞAN – GÜNDOĞAN"
- ↑ Christmas-Noel-Nardugan ve Muharrem, Murat Kalecik - "Narduğan"
Sources
- Kadim Diller ve Yazılar, Haluk Berkmen - Noel ve Nardugan