Amu Nowruz facts for kids
Amu Nowruz (which means "Uncle Nowruz" in Persian) is a famous character from Iranian folklore. He is like a legendary figure, appearing every year at the start of spring. He comes with his friend, Haji Firuz, to celebrate Nowruz. Nowruz is the Iranian New Year.
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Amu Nowruz: The Uncle of Spring
Amu Nowruz is a beloved character in stories from Iran and other countries that celebrate Nowruz. He is said to bring gifts to children, much like Santa Claus does in Western cultures. Nowruz marks the spring equinox, which is when day and night are almost equal in length. It's a time of new beginnings.
Some historians believe Amu Nowruz might symbolize Zal, a famous hero's father from the epic poem Shahnameh.
What Does Amu Nowruz Look Like?
Amu Nowruz is often shown as an old man with silver hair. He wears a special felt hat and a long blue coat. He also has a sash around his waist and thin-soled shoes called giveh. He carries a walking stick.
He is seen as a wise old figure. He shares the ancient stories of Nowruz with young people. While Amu Nowruz gives gifts, his friend Haji Firuz plays a tambourine and dances. Haji Firuz often asks for gifts from others.
A Special Love Story: Amu Nowruz and Nane Sarma
The story of Amu Nowruz and Nane Sarma is a well-known legend. It symbolizes the change from the old year to the new year. Nane Sarma means "Grandma Frost."
The Story of Their Meeting
According to one version of the legend, Nane Sarma is Amu Nowruz's wife. They can only see each other one night a year. After their brief meeting, she leaves and travels until the next year.
Another story says that Nane Sarma waits for Amu Nowruz every year on the first day of spring. But she always falls asleep from being tired before he arrives. When she wakes up, she realizes he has already come and gone. Some versions even say that if they ever truly meet, the world would end!
In another popular telling, Amu Nowruz travels the world giving gifts to children. He does this on his way to meet Nane Sarma, whom he loves very much. Nane Sarma wakes up early on the spring equinox. She cleans her house and prepares food for his visit. However, she always falls asleep just before he gets there.
Kindhearted Amu Nowruz does not wake her up. Instead, he eats some of the food she left out. He also places a flower in her new clothes. Then, he continues his long journey. When morning comes, Nane Sarma wakes up. She realizes she has missed seeing Amu Nowruz once again. This cycle repeats every year, and she always waits for him each spring.
See also
- Hajji Firuz
- Sinterklaas
- Santa Claus
- Saint Nicholas
- Father Christmas
