Azhyrnyhwa: Abkhazia’s Enduring Festival of Creation and Renewal
Family members participate in a special rite dedicated to the God of the forge.
SUKHUM / AQW’A — On the night of 13th January transitioning into the 14th, the people of Abkhazia will celebrate Azhyrnyhwa (Ажьырныхуа), an ancient festival that symbolises the creation and renewal of the world. This tradition, rooted in the Bronze and Copper Ages, holds profound spiritual significance and has become a cornerstone of Abkhazian cultural identity.
The festival coincides with the Julian calendar’s New Year but stands apart in its rich mythological and spiritual essence. At its heart is the veneration of Shashwa, an archaic deity associated with metallurgy and blacksmithing, reflecting the craft’s sacred status in Abkhazian tradition. According to anthropologist Marina Bartsyts, the rituals surrounding Azhyrnyhwa connect the Abkhazian people to their ancient heritage, symbolising the transition from chaos to harmony.
“A festival like this requires a pause from daily life, where every word and action carries deep significance,” Bartsyts explains. “It represents a sacred time of reflection and renewal.”
Rituals Under Moonlight
A unique feature of Azhyrnyhwa is its connection to lunar cycles. Rituals, including sacrifices and prayers, are performed in the evening and must conclude before the moon sets. Traditional offerings such as goats and roosters hold symbolic meaning, reinforcing themes of fertility and renewal. Local elders often use the expression “Amza hananamgeit” (“the moon did not get us there”) if ceremonies are not completed under moonlight.
In many households with family smithies, these sacred spaces, equipped with an anvil, hammer, and tongs, become the centre for prayers on specific days called azhiramSHy. While these are usually held on Mondays and Thursdays, practices can vary by family tradition.
+ The Sacred Time of the Azhyrnyhwa Ritual, by Marina Bartsyts
+ Azhyrnyhwa: Abkhazia's Timeless Celebration of Creation and Renewal
+ Azhyrnyhwa - the most important holiday of the Abkhazians: Interview with Inal Khashig
+ The Religious Beliefs of the Abkhasians, by N.S. Janashia & N.Y. Marr
Historical and Mythological Roots
The roots of Azhyrnyhwa are believed to align with the winter solstice, reflecting ancient agricultural and cosmological beliefs. However, the timing of the Abkhazian New Year has evolved over centuries. Historically, the festival may have coincided with the vernal equinox, marking the end of winter and the beginning of the agricultural cycle. Folklore suggests that on 14th January, “God casts heat the size of a threshing tool into the sea,” signifying the lengthening of days and the promise of renewal.
The festival’s name, anyhwa, carries dual meanings in the Abkhaz language, signifying both “festival” and “prayer.” This intertwining of celebration and spirituality reflects the holistic worldview inherent in Abkhazian culture, where rituals bridge the natural and supernatural realms.
Resilience Through Time
Despite historical challenges—including wars, the 19th-century exile known as makhadzhirstvo, colonisation, and Soviet-era suppression of religious practices—Azhyrnyhwa has endured. Its survival underscores the resilience of Abkhazian cultural traditions, characterised by their deep conservatism and reverence for the past. Since 1994, 14th January has been officially recognised as the Day of Renewal (Creation) of the World, further cementing the festival’s importance in Abkhazia’s national identity.
A Testament to Cultural Continuity
Today, Azhyrnyhwa opens the winter cycle of traditional family and clan rituals in Abkhazia. As the world modernises, this ancient festival remains a vital expression of the Abkhazian people’s connection to their history, spirituality, and natural environment. By celebrating Azhyrnyhwa, Abkhazians reaffirm their cultural legacy, ensuring that the sacred traditions of their ancestors continue to guide and inspire future generations.