Written by: Okan Dale
The Laz community has a profound connection with nature, a bond that is reflected in the naming of their months. These names often draw inspiration from seasonal and climatic changes, encapsulating agricultural rhythms and events taking place around black sea area.
Contrary to a common belief among many Laz families, including my own, it was thought that there were no specific names for the months. However, this belief is far from the truth. This belief was dispelled through extensive field research, engaging conversations with our elders, and collaborations with scholars. The journey of discovery revealed a rich variety of names, each with its unique story.
In the spirit of reconnecting with our roots and enriching our understanding of Laz heritage, I present to you the months of the year, intricately woven with their historical origins and the cultural nuances they embody.
Months
January – Ǯanağani
Ǯanağani is the Laz people’s new year. Amongst other dishes, families celebrate this occasion with the New Year’s Bread. Whilst preparing the dough, a token (coin, seed, nut) is hidden inside. The person who receives a piece of the bread containing this token becomes the ‘moineri’ (lucky one) one of the year. This person also becomes the leader of the household and initiates important traditions throughout the year.
Etymology: this word derives from the words ‘Ǯana’ (year) and ‘ağani’ (new). Laz New Year takes place on January 14th, based on the Rumi Calendar.
February – Tutamk̆ule/Ǩuçuğayi
The Laz kitchen is centered around three main ingredients: Lu/Luqu (Kale), Kapça (anchovy) and Pucişi (dairy products). Traditional Laz households regarded the supply of milk as a priority. This importance given to dairy products is reflected in daily consumed items like cheese, butter, yogurt, buttermilk, and rice pudding. Minci, shown in this photograph, is a symbol of the ancient milk products tradition of the Laz community.
Etymology: the word Ǩuçuğayi derives from Turkish and translates to ‘small month’. Tutamk̆ule is a composita based off (m)tuta (moon) and mk̆ule (short). Both names reflect the short duration of the month, and it appears the naming of this month may be a modern phenomenon.
March – Mart̆i
Nokalakevi, also known as Archaeopolis, served as the capital of the Kingdom of Lazica (also known as Egrisi), the ancient Kingdom of the Laz people, throughout the Late Antique period. The city’s strong walls made it an important strategic fortress during this era.
Etymology: March is attributed to Mars in Roman mythology, the god of war and agriculture, as well as the protector of the Roman Empire.
April – Ap̌rili
As spring arrives, the region’s beauty is augmented by the blooming of rhododendrons, adorned with yellow and pink petals. More than just a visual delight, this flower represents the natural grace and pride of the region. It occupies a unique position in Laz culture due to these qualities.
Etymology: April, the fourth month of the year (Nisan in Turkish), likely gets its name from the Latin word “Aperire”, referring to the time when plants bud and flowers bloom.
May – Mayisi
After its introduction in the Black Sea region in the mid-20th century, tea (nçai) has become deeply intertwined with the modern identity of Laz culture. The tea fields blanket the region in a lush green cover, and harvesting these leaves not only provides a livelihood, but also represents the agricultural spirit of the area. The harvest of these delicate leaves reflects the dedication and expertise of the local community. Today, tea harvesting has become both a communal activity and a valued “modern” tradition in Laz culture.
Etymology: The origin of the name “May” traces back to the Ancient Roman calendar. This name is derived from the Greek goddess Maia, who is identified with the Roman goddess of fertility, Bona Dea, whose festival was celebrated in the month of May.
June – Mbulora
The sweet cherry of Northern Anatolia has been lovingly cultivated by the Laz people for centuries. While modern irrigation methods are widespread in other regions, the Black Sea communities maintain their traditional methods in cherry cultivation. Interestingly, cherries hold deep cultural significance for the Laz people. They believed that malevolent individuals could be resurrected by evil spirits after death. To prevent such a resurrection, a post made from a cherry tree would be placed in the center of the grave, and the protection was further strengthened by the prayers of elders who knew the deceased.
Etymology: “Mbulora” is a combination of the words “mbuli” (cherry) and “ora” (time), signifying the cherry season.
July – Kʒapa
Kizkule, extending from the coast of the Black Sea (uçamzuğa), stands as a testament to the rich history of Pazar (Atina). There is much debate about its origin and purpose. According to some historians, its construction dates back to the 13th or 14th century, during the period of the Trebizond Empire. Others believe it was built as a residence for a Genoese princess.
Etymology: Kʒapa is known by the Laz people as the “rotten month.” This name is derived from the word “kʒeri,” which means “rotten.” From July 13 to August 13, the weather in the Black Sea region is extremely humid and rainy. Due to this, many things deteriorate much faster during this period.
August – Ağustozi/Mariaşina
Mʒ̆ǩo (blackberry) is eagerly awaited all summer, with the picking season occurring towards the end of August. It is cherished by all generations of the Laz people. Especially children love blackberries not only for their taste but also for the way they stain their teeth blue! This delightful fruit not only connects the community with nature but also becomes the subject of fragrant memories passed down through generations.
Etymology: Agustozi is derived from the name of the first Roman Emperor, Augustus Caesar, who ascended to the throne in the 8th century BC. Mariaşina translates to “In Remembrance of Maria.” The suffix “-şina” comes from the verb “elasinu,” meaning “to commemorate.”
September – Çxalva
When September arrives and Laz hunters prepare for their mountain expeditions, the sifteri (hawk) becomes a part of their hunting tradition. These majestic birds, highly valued in Laz culture, not only assist in hunting but also embody the bond between humans and nature within the Laz communities. The reverence for hawks is yet again a testament to the intertwined nature of the environment and tradition in the Laz way of life.
Etymology: Çxalva is a word used in the Atina dialect of the Laz language. It is related to the word “oçxu”, meaning ‘to wash‘, and indicates times of heavy rain.
October – T̆axva/Guma
Serende, known among the Laz people as Nalya, Nayla, Serenti, or Serende, is a wooden structure used for storing winter crops. It protects the produce from moisture and rodents. Built on four pillars, it rests on a circular device called “parpa” in Laz, which prevents rodents from climbing up.
Etymology: In the Laz language, “T̆axva” is used in the West Black Sea dialect, while “guma/gima” is used in the Central and East Black Sea dialects. Both terms denote the harvest of different agricultural products. In Laz, the harvest of spike-bearing plants is expressed with the verb “ogumu/ogimu,” while corn harvesting is described with the verb “ot̆axu.”
November – Stveli/Ǯilva
Kyume, also known in Turkish cuisine as “walnut sausage,” is a beloved dish in Laz culinary culture. Walnuts are strung together, dipped in hot grape molasses and dried to take the shape of a sausage. Considering the humid climate of the Black Sea region, the vertical drying method of kyume is more practical compared to other dried fruit products like “pestil” (hot air/sun drying). This unique delicacy also demonstrates how the Laz people effectively utilize and preserve their natural resources.
Etymology: As a month name, “Stveli” is used in the Eastern Black Sea dialect, while “Ǯilva” is used in the West. Stveli also signifies autumn. Ǯilva, on the other hand, is derived from the verb oʒ̆ilu, meaning ‘to harvest grapes and pears‘.
December – Xristona/Xristana
“Çiçilaǩi” is a New Year’s tradition adopted by the Laz and Megrelian of Christian faith, consisting of a tree made from dried hazelnut or walnut branches, varying in size from 20 cm to 3 meters. Historically selected by the head of the household, this tree also played a spiritual role in medieval times. It was believed to protect the home from evil spirits, especially when marked with a drawn or carved cross. Today, “çiçilaǩi” has adapted to modern practices and is now decorated with apples or pomegranates; sometimes even money is hung on it to symbolize prosperity.
Etymology: “Xristona” is formed by combining the word “Xrist” (Christ) with the suffix “-ona,” which in Ancient Greek means “birth.” This term is directly derived from the Greek word “xristougenna,” meaning “Birth of Christ”, referring to the Christmas holiday.
SEASONS
Spring – Purkinora
Etymology: the word “Purkinora” might mean “the time of flowers” (spring), but there’s also a possibility that it is derived from the word “opurku”, which means “to open.” This indicates the season when flowers bloom and branches sprout.
Summer – Monç̌inora
Etymology: “Monç̌inora” is formed from the combination of the words “monç̌inu” and “ora.” Here, “monç̌inu” refers to the maturation or ripening of something, while “ora” denotes the concept of time. Together, they signify “the time of maturation”, which corresponds to the summer season.
Autumn/Fall – Stveli/Cuzi
Etymology: The word “Stveli” in the Laz language has multiple meanings. Although it is generally used in a comprehensive way for “seasons”, it is specifically used for “autumn” and the month of November. It refers to the falling of leaves.
Winter –İnuva/ İnora /K̆işi
Etymology: “İnora/İnuva” is formed by combining the meanings of the word “ini” (cold), and “ora” (time). Therefore, it translates to “the time of cold”, signifying the colder season or winter. “K̆işi” is derived from the Turkish word “Kış”, translating to winter.
Keyword: Laz, Laz people, Lazuri, Laz culture, Laz language, new year in laz culture, month of the year in laz language, golden fleece, mingrelians
