– Sewing, cutting down trees and plants or killing animals are not allowed on Hidirellez day.
– A person who lost a relative on arefe (the day before a religious festival) never sews.
– Working is not allowed on arefe.
– Trees are not cut down on arefe or during festivals.
– Closed flour sacks are opened on arefe.
– Bringing firewood to the house on arefe is considered bad luck, as the belief is that a snake will come to the house with it.
– Soap may not be used on arefe.
– On Hidirellez, yogurt can be made with water brought to the house early in the morning. The use of yeast is not necessary.
– Anyone who takes bath in the river before the sun rises will be healthy.
– A jug of water should be taken inside the house before the sun rises on Hidirellez. This water is supposed to bring good health to the house.
– On aşure (pudding made with cereals, sugar and raisins) month (during fasting) young trees are not allowed to be cut down.
– Lambs are not counted until hidirellez.
Popular Beliefs Related to Stone and Water:
– It is unwise to enter a lake at night. It is believed that genies and pixies bathe in lakes at night and may people’s steal souls.
– Anyone urinating outside at night will be paralyzed by pixies.
– Knives are not put into boiling water.
– Spitting on water brings bad luck.
– Sleeping near fountains attracts the devil.
– Sleeping on a big stone with deep roots is not advised, since it is believed that the devil will come.
– Jumping over water in which clothes are washed is ill advised since it is believed that the devil lives in it.
Popular Beliefs in Turkey Related to Special Days
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