Khaberni - The Winter Square (or Forty Days of Winter) in Jordan and the Levant and many Arab countries, is known as the beginning of the period when the cold intensifies in the winter season, and it is an important and critical period especially for farmers and agricultural lands, due to the increased chances of frost and freezing that cause the spoilage of agricultural crops. So when does the Winter Square begin in Jordan?
When does the Winter Square begin in Jordan?
The Winter Square begins at the start of the astronomical winter season, which is on December 21st and ends at the end of January, thus lasting for 40 days.
The winter season extends to ninety days divided into two parts, which are:
The first part: The Winter Square, which name refers to its duration of forty days.
The second part: the Fifty Days, indicated by its name as fifty days long, and is called the Saudat period.
Saudat Period
Following the Winter Square in Jordan, comes the four Saudat period, which are:
Sa'd al-Dhabih (begins on 3/1): It is a metaphor for the extreme cold that occurs during this period. It is expressed by the folk saying: (Sa'd slaughters, his dog doesn't bark, his farmer doesn't succeed, and his shepherd doesn't pasture).
Sa'd Bala' (begins on 2/12): Named Bala', because the earth absorbs its water during this period, causing rivers to overflow and wells to fill up. It is expressed by the folk saying: (Sa'd Bala' makes a drop fall and disappear).
Sa'd al-Saud (begins on 2/25): It breaks the coldness of the air and tilts towards warmth. This stage marks the beginning of spring, as leaves ripen and flowers bloom, and signs of spring start to appear. It is expressed by the folk saying: (Sa'd al-Saud, water moves within the wood, and warms everyone who is cold).
Sa'd al-Khabaya (begins on 3/9): The trees bloom and insects roam, and the earth brings forth its spring. It is expressed by the folk saying: (Sa'd al-Khabaya, the snakes come out, and the maidens blossom).
The Borrowed Days, what are they?
The Borrowed Days are 7 days encompassing the last 4 days of February and the first 3 days of March.
They are named so because the month of February (the shortest month of the year) borrows from March to elongate the time of rainfall. Also called “Old Woman's Days,” as they occur at the end of winter. And, February says to March: “March, my cousin, three from you and four from me, let's keep the old woman in the valley singing”.
The Judgment Days begin on 3/11, and it is said about their duration that they are 6 or 8 days. They were named thus because they are days of severe cold and wind, as mentioned in Surah Al-Haqqah, the Almighty says: (He sent it upon them for seven nights and eight days in succession, so you could see the people therein prostrate as if they were hollow trunks of palm trees (69:7) So, do you see any remnants? (69:8)).
Drop of the Three Embers
The first on 2/20, which is the Ember of Air; people feel the warmth of the air.
The second on 2/27, which is the Ember of Water; people feel the warmth of the water.
The third on 3/6, which is Ember of Earth; people feel the warmth of the earth.
