Rituals
Alevi's have their own prayer house called Cemevi and their own cultural and spiritual practices unique to their path.
All Alevis are connected to or claim descent to a specific "Ocak" (Hearth/Caste) and all Ocak's are connected to a "Dergah" (lodges). The Alevi Institution comprises of the following:
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Pir (Enlightened pure person; spiritual leader of a community)
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Mursid (spiritual teacher)
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Dede, Baba or Ana (an elder)
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Rehber (a guide to the path)
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Zakir (poet and musician)
Traditionally Dede/Ana's did not merely lead rituals, but led their communities. They also acted as judges or arbiters, presiding over community courts called "Hakkikat Meydani".
Dede/Ana performs the Cem rituals, leads funerals, teaches new generations, initiates the young, mediates conflicts and aids "Talips" (the disciples).
Cem's
One of the important Alevi rituals is the Cem. The Cem is a gathering of Alevi believers who come together to worship and establish "erkan" (a community court) to resolve community problems. It is conducted by an elder referred to as "Dede" or "Ana", accompanied by a "zakir" (musician and poet).
There are several important elements in a Cem gathering, some of which include:
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Dede / Ana - an elder that conducts the Cem ritual
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Rehber - guide and communicator between the "Dede/Ana" and the disciples
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Zakir - a musician ,who plays the "saz" and recites spiritual songs and poems
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Erkan - a community court comprising of equal numbers of men and women, who are mature and respected community members
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Cerag - lighting of a flame, which symbolizes the lighting of the path
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Kurbanci - person responsible for the offering
During this gathering, spiritual dancing of semah and music played by the saz is performed. This is followed by the sharing of a meal called lokma which is provided by the community.
The Semah, which is a spiritual dance, is an important part of the Cem and is characterized by turning and swirling. This dance of worship has many varieties. The semah is performed by men and women to the accompaniment of the Saz or the lute. The semah is an inseparable part of any Cem.
Musahiplik
Another important Alevi ritual is Musahiplik. Musahiplik is a spiritual brotherhood between two married couples making a lifelong commitment to care for and share each other's welfare. The ties between couples who have made this commitment are stronger than that of blood relatives.
Muharrem Orucu (Muharrem Fast) and Asure
In the Alevi belief, another ritual called Muharren Orucu is a major Alevi fast which is generally held in the first 12 days of the month of Muharrem (in the modern day calendar this falls between 28 September and 10 October of each year). In addition to abstaining from food, many Alevis who fast during these 12 days, also abstain from drinking water both day and night. They will intake liquids other than water. During this fast, Alevis will also avoid any sort of comfort or enjoyment. The main purpose of this fast is to mourn the death of Ali's son, Huseyin, during the battle of Kerbela.
Following on from the Alevi fast, a special dish of Asure is cooked. Asure is prepared from a variety of 12 different grains, fruits and nuts. This is shared amongst community members.
Abdal Musa Feast
Another significant event in the Alevi path is the Abdal Musa Feast. The Abdal Musa Feast is a celebration where the traditions of unity and togetherness are preserved. The Abdal Musa Feast has been celebrated by the Anatolian Alevis since the 14th Century.
Abdal Musa was one of the most significant saints in the Alevi tradition. His philosophy is to love one another, share the wonders of the world, and help those less fortunate than themselves.
The Abdal Musa feast is a celebration of peace, love and togetherness, where a meal of bulgur rice and meat of offering is cooked in communal pots. After a blessing by the Dede or Ana, an Alevi elder and spiritual leader, the meal is shared by all.
Abdul Musa celebrations include music and the mystical dance called Semah, accompanied by the sacred ritual instrument known as the Saz.
Nevroz
Nevroz falls on 21 March and marks the first day of spring and the beginning of the year. It is celebrated my many ethnic groups, including Alevis and represents a day of newness, reconciliation and the start of spring.
Alevis celebrate Nevroz with "Cems" and other special programs. In 2010, the UN's General Assembly recognized the International Day of Nevroz, describing it a spring festival of Persian origin which has been celebrated for over 3000 years.
Hizir Orucu (Hizir Fast)
Another Alevi fast is the three-day Hizir fast (Hizir Orucu), generally observed 13-15 February. Many Alevis fast during this time to honor Hizir, a holy figure who they believe saves those who are in distress. Alevi's call on him for help and rescue. Hizir is the patron saint of travelers, protecting them from the dangers and difficulties of the road. Alevis have dedicated a specific day to him in February called "Hizir Day". This is a day of prayer, contemplation, mysticism, healing, wish-fulfillment, music, poetry and festivities. After fasting for three days, Alevis gather and call on Hizir to be with them at all times. This special celebration includes special foods, the performance of sacred Semah, and singing sacred songs.
Hidir Ellez
"Hidir Ellez" or "Hidellez" is the day on which prophets Hizir and Ilyas met with each other on earth. Some hold that Hidir comes to the rescue of those in distress on land, while Ilyas helps those at sea; and that they meet at a rose tree in the evening of every 6 May. The words Hizir and Ilyas have since fused together and is pronounced as Hidellez. Hidellez falls on 5-6 May. There are various theories about the origin Hidrellez. Hizir is the symbol of spring, and the new life which emerges with it.
Hidellez, which is still celebrated in Anatolia, has been celebrated since ancient times. Although it is celebrated under different names and in different times, it is possible to see the motifs of Hidellez in many places. The arrival of spring and awakening of nature have been perceived by mankind as a phenomenon to be celebrated. In fact, Hidellez, as a spring festival, has a universal character.