Have you ever seen someone spinning around in a long white dress with their arms wide open? That’s called a Whirling Dervish. They are a big part of the Mevlana Whirling Dervishes Festival. But this festival isn’t just about the spinning. It’s like a journey for the soul. It’s a way to honor a wise teacher and show off a beautiful part of their culture.
Let’s explore this festival and find out what makes it so special!
When is the Mevlana Whirling Dervishes Festival Held?
The Festival takes place annually in Konya, Turkey, typically starting in early December. It lasts for ten days, filled with music, poetry, and of course, the mesmerizing Sema ceremony (the whirling dervish dance).
How Did the Mevlana Whirling Dervishes Start?
It all started with a man named Rumi, a well-known poet and spiritual guide from the 13th century. Rumi believed in love, being kind to others, and finding a connection with something bigger than us. He thought that spinning around could help people reach a state of joy and peace. People who followed Rumi, known as the spinning dervishes, kept this tradition alive. The spinning ceremony became a way to remember Rumi’s teachings and live by his ideas.
Why Do We Celebrate the Mevlana Whirling Dervishes?
There are a few reasons why people celebrate this event:
- To Honor Rumi’s Legacy: The festival is a giant thank you to Rumi for his beautiful poems and spiritual teachings. It’s a way to keep his message alive for generations to come.
- To Experience the Sema: The Sema ceremony is a truly unique and captivating performance. It’s a chance to witness the beauty of the whirling dervishes and the emotions it evokes.
- To Promote Peace and Understanding: Rumi’s teachings emphasized love, respect, and unity. The festival reflects these values and brings people of all backgrounds together in a spirit of harmony.
- To Immerse Yourself in Turkish Culture: The festival takes place in Konya, Turkey, where Rumi lived and taught. Attending the festival allows visitors to experience Turkish culture firsthand and learn about Sufi traditions.
What is the Purpose of the Mevlana Whirling Dervishes Ceremony (Sema)?
The Sema ceremony is much more than just a fancy dance. It’s a symbolic journey with a deeper meaning:
- Shedding the Ego: The white robes the dervishes wear symbolize a shroud, representing letting go of worldly attachments and ego.
- Connecting with the Divine: The right hand reaching upwards signifies reaching for God or something greater. The left hand facing down shows our connection to the earthly world.
- Spiritual Journey: The whirling itself represents the soul’s journey towards enlightenment and truth.
- Music and Meditation: The music played during the Sema (flutes, drums, and chanting) creates a calming and meditative atmosphere.
How Do People Celebrate the Mevlana Whirling Dervishes Festival?
The festival offers a variety of ways to celebrate:
- Watching the Sema Ceremony: This is the main attraction, and it’s truly awe-inspiring to witness.
- Attending Poetry Readings: Rumi was a famous poet, and the festival often features readings of his beautiful works.
- Enjoying Traditional Music: Turkish music plays a big role in the festival, and there are often concerts and performances throughout the ten days.
- Learning About Sufism: The festival provides opportunities to learn more about Sufism, the mystical branch of Islam to which the Whirling Dervishes belong https://www.britannica.com/summary/Sufism.
Ideas and Simple Ways to Celebrate at Home (Even if You Can’t Make it to Turkey!)
Can’t make it all the way to Konya? No worries! You can still celebrate the spirit of the festival at home:
- Find a Video of the Sema Ceremony Online: Many videos showcase the beauty of the Sema. Watch it and let the music and movement transport you.
- Read Some of Rumi’s Poetry: Rumi’s poems are full of wisdom and beauty. Find a collection online or at your local library and get lost in his words.
- Listen to Sufi Music: Sufi music has a calming and meditative quality. Put on some tunes and create a peaceful atmosphere in your home.
- Have a “Whirling” Dance Party: Put on some music and have a fun dance party with your family or friends. Just remember, the whirling dervishes do it gently and with purpose, not like a wild dervish!
Mevlana Whirling Dervishes Quotes
Here are some quotes to think about during your celebration:
- “Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I’ll meet you there.”
- “The wound is the place where the Light enters you.”
- “Lovers don’t finally meet somewhere. They’re in each other all along.”
Mevlana Whirling Dervishes Activities for Kids
Are you searching for ways to involve kids in the festival spirit? Here are some exciting suggestions:
- Make Your Own Whirling Dervish Costume: Use a white sheet or tablecloth to create a flowing robe. Decorate it with swirls or glitter if you like.
- Learn a Simple Sufi Dance Move: The dervishes’ movements are all about graceful spins. You can try a simple version by standing with your arms outstretched and slowly turning in a circle.
- Create Whirling Dervish Art: Draw or paint pictures of whirling dervishes, mosques, or other symbols of the festival.
- Listen to Sufi Music for Kids: There are many recordings of Sufi music specifically designed for children. Put on some tunes and have a dance party!
The Mevlana Whirling Dervishes Festival is a lively way to celebrate culture, spirituality, and the power of love.
So, the next time you watch a video of a spinning dervish, remember there’s a deep meaning behind the amazing dance. Maybe it will even inspire you to have your own little spinning ceremony at home!