In the astrological calendar of Turkmen people, the period “Uly çille” is considered as winter solstice. It begins on 8 December and lasts till 17 January. A word «Çille» from Persian means «forty». In the dictionary «Explanatory dictionary of Turkmen language», published by efforts of our esteemed President, the word «Çille» has following explanation: ÇILLE, at. The coldest days of winter, winter solstice. Besides, there are given following expressions related to word «Çille» : Çille dolmak - end of winter, Çille mesi ýaly - no worries, no menace (about person).

“Uly çille” period lasts forty days. That period is characterized by cold, snowy, humid weather. Uly çille is considered to be the most important season for shepherds and herdsmen.

In the book «Paýhas çeşmesi», which has been delivered to our readers by unparalleled efforts of the Hero Arkadag, wise sayings related to çille are given, such as: «Kiçi çillede balam bolsaň damma, Uly çillede ganam bolsaň diňme», «Çille gary – ýeriň gany» (Çille snow is the blood of the earth), «Çillede suw içen üzüm hiç haçan suwsamaz» (Grapes that drink water in Çille will never be thirsty).

As our forefathers said «Gyşy gyşsyramadygyň, ýazy ýazsyramaz» (There was no winter here - there will be no summer here), let winter be similar to winter, and spring to spring!