Hıdırellez: A Celebration of Spring, Hope, and Renewal
What is Hıdırellez?
Hıdırellez is a beloved spring festival, especially cherished in Turkish culture, that marks the arrival of warmer days. Celebrated on the night of May 5 to May 6, it symbolizes renewal, hope, and connection with nature. The name Hıdırellez comes from two saints, Hızır (Hıdır) and İlyas, who are believed to bring health, prosperity, and good fortune.
For many, including myself, Hıdırellez is more than a cultural event—it’s a personal and spiritual experience that invites reflection, intention-setting, and deep connection with both nature and community.
Hıdırellez Traditions: Making Wishes with Nature
One of the most meaningful customs of Hıdırellez is the wish ritual. According to tradition:
- Wishes are written on a small piece of paper.
- The paper is placed in a red pouch (symbolizing luck and protection).
- The pouch is then hung on a rose tree, which represents beauty, love, and new beginnings.
This ritual goes beyond a simple act. It creates a magical connection between your personal hopes and the energy of the natural world.
Symbolism of the Ritual
The rose tree acts as a symbolic bridge between your dreams and nature’s forces. The red pouch is thought to carry your wishes with spiritual energy. On the morning of May 6, the pouch is removed from the tree, and the wishes are released into a body of water—a stream, river, lake, or sea—signifying trust, surrender, and renewal.
Water is seen as a cleansing force that helps carry your intentions into the flow of life, bringing them closer to realization.
A Personal Hıdırellez in Rome
Living in Rome, far from my homeland, I’ve adapted the tradition in my own way. Each year, I buy a fresh rose and place it in a vase at home. This rose becomes my personal connection to Hıdırellez.
I write down my wishes, placing them near the rose. In the morning, I walk to a nearby river or the sea and release my wish into the water.
The Deeper Meaning: Trusting the Process
Hıdırellez is a day of hope, transformation, and letting go. Writing your wishes, connecting with nature, and releasing your desires into the world teaches the power of faith and patience.
It’s not just about asking for what you want, but about believing in the journey your dreams will take, and staying open to life’s unfolding path.
Why Hıdırellez Matters Today
In our fast-paced, digitally connected world, rituals like Hıdırellez remind us to slow down.
Whether you’re living in a rural village or a city apartment, the spirit of Hıdırellez can be felt wherever intention meets tradition.
Hıdırellez is much more than a spring celebration. It’s a timeless tradition that teaches us to hope, believe, and reconnect—with ourselves, with others, and with the Earth. From the red pouch to the rose tree to the flowing waters, every element carries a deeper message: that renewal is always possible.
No matter where you are in the world, Hıdırellez invites you to dream boldly and to trust in the beauty of new beginnings.
