SORGUL ŞÊXO

Hasekê – May, and August is known as “Maryam Al-Azra” months for Syriac people living in NE Syria. These two months are very important for Christians, particularly for women, who keep their traditions alive. “Maryam Al-Azra” was first celebrated by Luis Resholi in 1784 in Italy. Syriac women living in NE Syria keep alive this tradition by celebrating it. The women wear a sky-blue dress for a month and fast for certain periods. We asked Süryani Ediba David why this tradition is important for them and why they wear a blue dress.

“Blue dress is a symbol of peace”

May and August are known as Maryam Al-Azra months, Ediba said, “We just spend two months like this. We wear a blue dress in May and August. The blue dress of Maryam Al-Azra is a symbol of peace. It is the symbol of those who pray for Maryam Al-Azra. We pray a lot in these two months. Everyone cannot wear the dress of Maryam Al-Azra. You should be single and have no child to wear it. The young women and old women can wear it.”

“The sash belt of dress is tied while praying”

One of the rituals of the Maryam Al-Azra is tying the sash belt on the blue dress. A white sash belt is tied on the sky-blue dress while praying. “The Virgin Mary hears those who wear a blue dress and fulfills their wishes,” Ediba said to draw attention to the importance of wearing the blue dress. Having a heart of gold is very important. If you don’t have a white sash belt or rope, it is not a problem.”

“We eat light foods in two months”

Women of all nationalities can wear this dress, Ediba said, “It does not matter whether you are an Arab, Kurd, or Armenian. The Virgin Mary does not discriminate between nations.” She also told us that they don’t eat meat, yogurt, cheese, and fragrant and fatty foods for two months. “I began to wear the blue dress after the age of 90. I raised my two children, now I pray for other mothers’ children.”