YENNAYER, THE AMAZIGH NEW YEAR
In Algeria as well as in all the countries of North Africa, the new year is celebrated twice in January. In addition to the day of the year of the Gregorian calendar, Algerians celebrate Yennayer, the Amazigh new year, each 12 of January.
Dive into the heart of these festivities with Jumbo Car Algerie and learn more about this celebration.
?What is the origin of Yennayer
Also called nayer, ennayer, or laâdjouza, Yennayer is an Amazigh word designating the first month in the Amazigh calendar. Its origins date back to 950 BC, during the succession of King Sheshnoq 1st to the throne who, being of Amazigh origin, founded the 22nd Pharaonic dynasty, but the first which was Amazigh. This date, being of great importance, was chosen to commemorate this event which marked the history of North Africa, although yennayer was celebrated since the dawn of time by our ancestors who knew how to preserve this precious heritage and keep it from generation to generation.
Who says Yennayer, says legend, and the best known is that of laâdjouza (the old woman). It is said that after the children have gone around the neighborhood and collected sweets and candies, an old woman then appears late at night. and, as a punishment, takes all this harvest from the little ones who have not been very good during the year.
!How to celebrate Yennayer? Jumbo Car Algeria tells you everything
The celebration of yennayer across Algeria is done differently from region to region and by village; despite the different rituals adopted by the latter, they all remain united by a single hope: that of a good omen for a fruitful year, and this through the preparation of hearty dishes.
Yennayer's preparations
A few days before the Amazigh New Year, preparations for the festival begin in joy and good humor; you can therefore stroll happily in the markets where all kinds of delicacies, dried fruits and vegetables tickle your nostrils and awaken your taste buds.
Yennayer in Kabylie
Yennayer is celebrated almost the same way in Kabylia; the houses undergo a thorough cleaning in order to welcome the guests, the tasks started must be completed that day, like weaving or construction, and you can attend various rituals but above all enjoy delicious dishes such as as couscous, berkoukes or rechta, all garnished with generous pieces of red or white meat, and dried vegetables, depending on what the season offered.
This culinary tradition is served in a very large and hollow wooden dish where everyone gathers around to enjoy a moment of sharing and love. Later in the evening, the families and their guests meet again around another very large dish, but this time containing sweets and dried fruit.
In the East, for example, the preparation for this event is done by cleaning the houses, changing everything that is worn and of course by preparing a generous meal rich in products from the land.
In Western Algeria: The carnival of Ayred
In the west this ritual stands out with a most incredible festival called Ayred (lion) where the youngest inhabitants dress up wearing masks and dried animal skins, going from house to house, accompanied by singing in chorus and percussion noises, in order to collect donations (products of the earth) which will then be offered to those in need.
If the curiosity to discover more about this custom tickles you, take the road to one of the Algerian cities and let yourself be amazed by these festivities in the good company of the locals. To do this, book a vehicle at the car rental agency Jumbo Car Algerie , it is the fastest and safest way to take full advantage of it.
Source : websites