Page 31 - KTUDELL E-LIT | Issue 4 - January 2025

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2025

Kalandar, which falls on the night of January 13th, as the first month
of Rumi Calendar is celebrated as New Year’s Day in the Eastern
Black Sea region. During this celebration, people wear special clothes,
sing traditional mantras, visit each other, children collect gifts, and of
course, perform the horon (a traditional folk dance). Though
Kalandar had almost been forgotten, it experienced a revival in 2025,
with celebrations occurring in some town squares and villages in
Trabzon. The excitement of the day that children eagerly visit
neighbors’ homes with bags in hand seem to have spilled over the
town squares. Figures such as the bride, groom, and the
Karakoncolos, along with crackling fires, Black Sea folk songs, and
fruits symbolizing prosperity, all play a part in creating a shared sense
of joy and community spirit.

Now, let’s delve into the details of this ancient tradition. The term
“Kalandar,” which is also referred to as “Galandar” or “Kalandaris” in
local dialects, is derived from the Latin word calandae, meaning the
first day of the year. In modern Western languages with Latin roots,
words like “calendar,” “calendrier,” and “calendario” are derived from
this same term.

On this night, a series of rituals and ceremonies take place, creating a
festive atmosphere of the New Year’s. These traditions include
elements from various cultures and are celebrated throughout the
Eastern Black Sea region, including Trabzon and its districts. The

celebrations, costumes, and food reflect a blend of influences from © Ceydanur Coşkun
pre-Christian pagan traditions and later Christian celebrations,
including Halloween.
Although Kalandar celebrations vary across different regions,
many elements are shared. One such tradition is the Kalandar
Feast, which is unique to this night. It features traditional foods
such as lahana sarması(cabbage rolls), hamsi pilav(rice with
anchovy), turşu kavurması(pickled beans), pumpkin dessert, and
cornbread. Fruits like pomegranate which symbolizes
abundance, apple, pear, and quince, as well as nuts like
hazelnuts, walnuts, and figs, are also commonly included. Boiled
corn is a must-have on the table.

Kalandar night is especially alive, thanks to the performances of
children and young people. Dressed in humorous or scary
costumes, they perform short theatrical acts, perform the horon
along with the tune of the kemençe (a traditional string
“Kalandar soğuğunda, instrument), and visit homes to share joy with their neighbour.
Ya bakın kaldık dara, During these visits, bags are left at the door, and the hosts are
Açın siz kapıları, expected to fill them with food. While the hosts try to guess the
Biz geldik Kalandar’a.” identity of the visitors, the guests try to remain unrecognized.
The moment when food-filled bags are given to those whose
identities are not guessed creates a fun, colorful atmosphere.
Another charming tradition is when two young people dress as a
bride and groom, intentionally making themselves look
unattractive, and visit homes while dancing. This playful act
embodies the spirit of Kalandar, creates unity, joy, and sharing,
© Ceydanur Coşkun

and adds a special touch to the festivities.
A key figure in Kalandar celebrations is the mythological Karakoncolos. The term Karakoncolos means “mountain man” or “bear” in Greek,
and this figure is typically portrayed as a mischievous monster covered in dark fur. Although harmless, its appearance creates a sense of fear
and excitement. Young people and children often dress in animal skins, paint their faces dark, and attach bells to their waists to emulate this
figure, creating one of the most memorable aspects of the night.

Kalandar is more than just a New Year’s celebration; it is a cultural event that strengthens social bonds. On the 13th of January in Trabzon,
we reunited with the same feelings if joy and greet the common sense with the same rituals that have been going on for centuries. These
festivities offer a special opportunity for family and community to unite, reviving the spirit of cooperation and sharing. As a tradition passed
down through generations, it plays a vital role in preserving local identity and fostering solidarity. In conclusion, Kalandar is an important
cultural tradition that represents the rich heritage of the Eastern Black Sea region. It symbolizes the values of unity, sharing, and
togetherness within the community, extending beyond the joy of welcoming the new year. Today, this deep-rooted tradition continues to
thrive, serving as an effort to maintain the cultural identity of the people amidst the modern flow of life.
SUGGESTED READINGS
Özyurt, P. M., & Sarıibrahimoğlu, S. (2022). Doğu Karadeniz’e özgü Kalandar kutlamalarının kültürel miras turizmi kapsamında incelenmesi.
Karadeniz İncelemeleri Dergisi, 33(33), 263-284.
Alay, O. (2018). Anadolu ve Kafkasya kavşağında geleneksel bir yılbaşı kutlaması: Kalandar. Motif Akademi Halkbilimi Dergisi, 11(23), 96-110.
Hayrendis. (t.y.). Kadim yılbaşı şenliği: Kalandar. Hayrendis. https://www.hayrendis.com/kadim-yilbasi-senligi-kalandar/

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