Syriac community celebrates Hano Qritho in Mehrkan, preserving ancient pre-Lent traditions

MEHRKAN, North and East Syria — The Bethnahrin National Council’s (Mawtbo Umthoyo D’Bethnahrin, MUB) institutions in Qabre Hewore (Qahtaniyah) hosted a vibrant celebration of Hano Qritho in the village of Mehrkan. The festivities included traditional folk songs and the preparation of a symbolic meal of butter, bulgur, and eggs — a ritual marking the approach of Lent.

Ancient Tradition Honoring Start of Lent

On Sunday, the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) community gathered in Mehrkan, a village in the countryside of Qabre Hewore, North and East Syria, to celebrate Hano Qritho. This pre-Lent tradition, deeply rooted in the region’s cultural heritage, was organized by the Syriac Cultural Association. The event, held at the Syriac Orthodox St. George’s Church, welcomed representatives from the MUB and a large crowd of men, women, and children from the community.

Procession Guided by Song

The celebration began with a lively procession through the village. Participants collected eggs, bulgur, and butter from local households while singing traditional songs, including the well-loved Hano Qritho melody. Carrying a wooden effigy as part of the ritual, the participants embraced the spirit of their ancestors, ensuring that the tradition endures for future generations.

Preserving Cultural Heritage

Members of the organizing committees reflected on the importance of the event in preserving their heritage.

Maria Aho, a member of the Syriac Cultural Association, highlighted the broad participation from various cities across the Gozarto (Jazira) Canton, including Beth Zalin (Qamishli), Hasakah, Dayrik (Derik / Malikiyah), and Qabre Hewore. “These customs have been passed down through generations, ensuring we preserve our cultural identity,” she said.

Mona Shamoun, a representative of the Syriac Women’s Union (SWU), described the atmosphere as overwhelmingly positive. “Dozens of people joined the village-wide tour, collecting ingredients for the traditional meal,” she noted. After the procession, women gathered at the church to prepare a communal dish of bulgur, butter, and eggs — a key tradition — before sharing it with the villagers and attendees.

Legend Behind Hano Qritho

The story of Hano Qritho is deeply tied to the history of Beth Nahrin (Mesopotamia), particularly in the Tur Abdin region. According to legend, a local king who had suffered repeated defeats in battle finally achieved a victory. He vowed to sacrifice the first person he encountered as an offering to the gods. Tragically, his daughter, Hana, was the first to greet him.

Accepting her fate, Hana requested forty days to celebrate the victory with her companions in the mountains. After her time of joy and remembrance, she returned to her father, who, staying true to his oath, sacrificed her.

Before her death, Hana asked her friends to commemorate her memory annually at the same place, a promise that laid the foundation of Hano Qritho, ensuring her story would never be forgotten.

Honoring Faith and Heritage

The Hano Qritho celebration in Mehrkan was more than a festive gathering. It was a testament to the resilience and dedication of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Syriac) community in preserving their ancestral traditions. Through music, rituals, and shared meals, the community continues to honor both their faith and cultural heritage, keeping the legacy of Hano Qritho alive for generations to come.