Urs of Rumi (Seb-i Arus)
The death anniversary of Jalal al-Din Rumi — the 'Wedding Night' with the Divine.
✦ Why It Matters
Urs (meaning 'wedding' in Arabic) is the Sufi commemoration of a saint's death anniversary, considered their 'wedding night' — the soul's union with the Divine. The Urs of Rumi, observed on December 17, is celebrated with Sufi music (Sama), whirling dervish ceremonies, and recitation of the Masnavi.
✦ How It Is Observed
Sama ceremonies (whirling dervishes), recitation of Rumi's poetry, Sufi music (ney flute, rebab), prayer, gathering in remembrance of the saint's union with God. The Mevlevi Order conducts ceremonies in Konya, Turkey.
✦ Sacred Text
“Listen to the reed flute, how it tells a tale, complaining of separations: 'Ever since I was cut from the reed bed, my lament has caused man and woman to moan.'”
— Masnavi, Rumi ↗