Welcoming the Yazidi New Year with Lotus Flower survivors

There were coloured eggs galore and plenty of smiles as women and girls celebrated the Yazidi New Year with a special event held by the Lotus Flower.

Celebrating with painted eggs

‘Charshama Sor’ – or Red Wednesday – occurs in early April every year and is said to represent the creation of the universe, while celebrating nature and fertility. Around 30 women and their children attended the Lotus Flower’s event, held a day early due to the Kurmanci holiday.

Red flowers and decorations

Participants of all ages joined the activities

A simple celebration saw an exchange of sweets and vividly painted eggs, as well as lots of singing and dancing. Women and children wore traditional outfits, and many beautiful red flowers, which mark the first month of the Yazidi New Year, were also on display.

Women and girls enjoyed simple treats

The traditional celebration came to a halt after ISIS captured the Yazidi heartlands in 2014, subjecting women, girls and their families to abhorrent persecution, murder and enslavement. But following the defeat of the militants, the ancient festivities could finally be resumed, and today, they are accompanied by greater hopes of a brighter and more secure future.

For the Lotus Flower team, enabling women and their families to mark the occasion in this way was truly special…