How is this Persian festival similar to Christmas?
Nowruz marks the Persian New Year with a 13-day festival involving feasts, dances, gift exchanges, and poetry
Nowruz has been celebrated for over 3,000 years across Western Asia, Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Black Sea Basin, the Balkans, and South Asia
Amu Nowruz, also known as Baba Nowruz, is a mythical figure from Iranian folklore, symbolizing the start of the Persian New Year, Nowruz
Amu Nowruz is accompanied by Hajji Firuz to herald the commencement of Nowruz, bringing joy and celebration
Historians often link Amu Nowruz to Zal, the father of the epic hero Rostam from the Shahnameh, representing renewal and rebirth
Similar to the role of Santa Claus during Christmas, Amu Nowruz is said to bring gifts to children, embodying generosity and happiness
Described as an elderly man with a white beard, Amu Nowruz's attire includes a blue silk belt, a felt hat, a flat veil, and a white shawl, symbolizing wisdom and tradition
Amu Nowruz's arrival at the city gates, often through mountains, signifies the ushering in of the New Year, emphasizing nature's role in the cycle of life
Nane Sarma, considered as Amu Nowruz's wife, symbolizes winter's end. Their legend underscores themes of longing and reunion, with Nane Sarma seeing her husband only once a year
The tales of Nane Sarma awaiting Amu Nowruz, only to fall asleep before his arrival, reflect on themes of patience, hope, and the transient nature of time