Get Ready for the Ultimate Nowruz Festival Celebration!

Join us for the 6th year of Pars Community’s Nowruz Festival (Persian New Year), happening on Tuesday, 18th March, at the LCVS Building in Liverpool City Centre. Celebrate the Persian New Year with a day full of fun, culture, and community spirit – all for FREE!

Enjoy a variety of Persian delights:

• Savor delicious Persian foods, sweets, and desserts.

• Shop for unique handcrafted items, Persian clothes, and beautiful art pieces.

• Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere with music, Backgammon competition, prizes and performances.
  

There’s something for everyone! Kids and adults can join in exciting competitions with prizes to be won. Plus, meet two beloved symbols of Persian New Year – Nane Sarma and Amoo Nowruz – representing the transition from winter to spring. Amoo Nowruz and Nane Sarma:

Amoo Nowruz and Nane Sarma are traditional cultural symbols associated with Nowruz, the Persian New Year, which marks the first day of spring and is celebrated by millions of people, especially in Iran and Central Asia. These characters are part of the folklore and customs that highlight the change of seasons and the themes of renewal and rebirth.

1. Amoo Nowruz:

   • Amoo Nowruz is depicted as an elderly man, often dressed in green and white, with a long white beard and a staff. He symbolizes the arrival of spring, bringing warmth, growth, and renewal to the earth. Amoo Nowruz is considered a protector of spring and a bringer of good fortune.

   • "Amoo" in Persian means "uncle" or "elder," and the character is an affectionate figure who represents the rejuvenation and vitality that comes with the new season. He is a joyful figure of hope and prosperity.

2. Nane Sarma:

   • In contrast, Nane Sarma is an elderly woman who symbolizes winter. She is often portrayed with a scarf or traditional winter attire and represents the cold, harsh months before the arrival of spring. Nane Sarma is seen as a symbol of the last remnants of winter, and her presence in Nowruz celebrations serves as a reminder of the seasonal cycle and the eventual triumph of warmth and growth.

   • "Nane" means "mother" in Persian, and the character embodies the nurturing aspects of winter that prepare the earth for the coming of spring.

Together, Amoo Nowruz and Nane Sarma embody the eternal cycle of the seasons, with Nane Sarma representing the passing of winter and Amoo Nowruz symbolizing the arrival of the rejuvenating warmth of spring.

Haft-Sin:

Haft-Sin (meaning "Seven S") is one of the most important and beloved traditions of Nowruz celebrations. It refers to a table that is set with seven symbolic items, all beginning with the Persian letter "S," each representing an aspect of life, nature, and the spring season. The Haft-Sin table is a powerful reminder of the connection between humans, nature, and the cycles of life.

The seven items traditionally included in Haft-Sin are:

1. Sabzeh (سبزه) – Sprouts of wheat, barley, or lentils:

   • Represents rebirth, growth, and fertility. It is a symbol of life and the regeneration of nature in spring.

2. Samanu (سمنو) – A sweet, dense pudding made from wheat:

   • Symbolizes strength, power, and the sweetness of life.

3. Senjed (سنجد) – Dried oleaster fruit:

   • Represents love, compassion, and the beauty of life. It is a symbol of the love and affection that connects family and community.

4. Seer (سیر) – Garlic:

   • Represents medicine, health, and protection. Garlic is believed to protect from evil spirits and illness.

5. Seeb (سیب) – Apples:

   • Symbolizes beauty and health. Apples are also seen as a symbol of good fortune and well-being.

6. Somāq (سماق) – Sumac berries:

   • Represents the sunrise and the patience needed to overcome difficulties. It is a symbol of the endurance through the harshness of winter, leading to the arrival of spring.

7. Serkeh (سرکه) – Vinegar:

   • Represents aging and wisdom. It symbolizes the experiences and lessons learned over time.

In addition to the seven "S" items, a Haft-Sin table typically includes other items, such as a mirror, candles, coins (for wealth), hyacinth flowers (for fragrance), goldfish (symbolizing life), and a Quran or other sacred book (for blessings).

Each item on the Haft-Sin table holds deep meanings tied to nature, renewal, and the hopes for a prosperous and happy new year. It’s a beautiful tradition that reflects the harmony between humanity and the natural world, and the cycle of life from one season to the next.

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable celebration of culture, food, and community. Mark your calendar and bring your friends and family for a day of fun and festivities!

Date: 18th March

Time: 11:00 am - 6:00 pm

Location: LCVS Building, Liverpool City Centre

Entry: FREE

See you there! 🌸