Cemre Falling

Cemre is a belief in the Turkish folk calendar, particularly associated with the arrival of spring in Anatolia. The word "cemre" actually means "fire ember" or "coal," and this belief is considered a symbol of seasonal changes among the people. The falling of the cemre is seen as a sign that winter is coming to an end and spring is beginning. Connected to the temperature increase observed in February and March, cemres are considered a phenomenon heralding the awakening of nature. The fall of the cemre happens in various stages, each stage indicating temperature changes in the air, water, and soil.

The Falling of the Cemres

The falling of the cemres is considered to occur in three stages, and each stage signifies a different change in nature.

• First Cemre (Air Cemre): Starting on February 19, an increase in air temperature is observed. This shows that the cold days of winter are coming to an end and that the weather is becoming milder. The air cemre leads people to escape the cold and begin going outside in lighter clothing. The rise in air temperature is seen as a herald of spring.

• Second Cemre (Water Cemre): Around February 26, the temperature of the water rises. This is reflected in the thawing of the frozen surfaces of bodies of water such as ponds, lakes, and rivers. The water cemre represents the second stage of nature's awakening, and this change in the water emphasizes the dependency of animals and plants on water. During this period, fish and other aquatic creatures begin to stir.

• Third Cemre (Soil Cemre): This increase in temperature, observed in early March, is seen in the soil. The warming of the soil signifies that plants, trees, and flowers are beginning to awaken. The soil cemre is of great importance, especially in agricultural societies, as this marks the beginning of planting and sowing activities. Additionally, as the soil warms, underground waters also begin to move, speeding up the growth processes of plants.

Cemre Falling and Its Climatic Meaning

The falling of the cemre is considered a harbinger of spring in the folk calendar. During this period, the warming of nature is a sign of environmental changes. From a climatic perspective, the falling of the cemre signifies the weakening of winter and the strong emergence of spring. This change symbolizes nature's rebirth and the beginning of the reproductive processes of living beings. Each stage of the cemres has a different effect on nature: the air cemre allows people to spend more time outdoors, the water cemre makes water resources usable again, and with the soil cemre, plants begin to sprout, sowing takes place, and agricultural activities speed up. The falling of the cemres is an event reflecting how these cyclical changes in nature affect human life.

Cemre and Cultural Connections

The falling of the cemre holds a deep place in Turkish culture and in many villages of Anatolia. However, this belief is not exclusive to Turkish society; similar beliefs exist in Arab, Persian, Mongolian, and Greek cultures as well. Over time, this belief has adapted to local traditions in different cultures, and each society has interpreted the falling of the cemre in its own way. In this context, cemres are not just a seasonal temperature increase, but a phenomenon symbolizing the cycle of nature and seasons in people's daily lives. In every culture, the cemre has become a symbol that strengthens the connection between nature and humans.

Scientific Aspect

The falling of the cemre is an event that occurs annually and is reflected in calendars. While folk belief suggests that temperature increases regularly occur during certain time periods, this has also been scientifically verified. Meteorological observations show that temperature increases are experienced close to the dates when the cemres are said to fall, particularly in late February and early March. The fact that each stage of the cemres is connected to a different natural event reveals how temperature changes in nature affect humans and how these changes align with local climate conditions. In this way, cemres are important not only as part of the folk calendar and belief but also as a concrete expression of seasonal and climatic changes.