Nardugan Holiday

According to Turks, 21st December points out when day defeated night, light defeated dark, good defeated evil.

While Göktanrı represents goodness, brightness and the daylight; The God of The Underground represents evil, darkness and night.

This god called Ayazata, only goes above the surface in 21st December to do good. This time of the year is when everything goes upside down. And the ancient Turks celebrated this every year.

They celebrated the day by leaving gifts under a tree called Akçam, preparing a fiest and making a festival.

This tradition went to Europe with Hun Empire. Today it is celebrated as Christmas. Also the Santa Claus that wears red hat, coat and boots is actually The God of The Underground, Ayazata.

In Europe its celebrated in between 21st and 24st December. In Turkey this day moved to 31st of December.

Text: Burcu Çinçik

Translation: Serra Güreşcier