Holidays of Armenia - National Identity Day (Navasard)

Navasard is an ancient Armenian holiday that marks the arrival of the new year (in common parlance, “nav” is new, “sard” is year) For many centuries, the people of Armenia celebrated this holiday precisely in the month of August (11th), and according to legend, everything was celebrated in honor of the pagan (Armenian) gods: • Aramazd (the most important and omnipotent deity, the father of all goddesses and gods) • Anahit (the most omnipotent goddess) • Astghik (loving goddess who completely subjugated the elements of water and ghostly beauty) • Nane (almighty warrior goddess, capable of incinerating with just one glance) • Vahagnu (a deity who subjugated the heavenly elements of lightning and thunder) • Mikhru (a deity representing the sun and its radiant light) • Thiru (god of research, inexhaustible wisdom and science) The month of Navasard had about 30 days (from August 11 to September 9) As many Armenian legends tell, it was on this unusually bright day that all the (mentioned above) deities descended to the lands of Armenia to enjoy bathing in the Aratsani River (which later became sacred) and admiring human festivities As it became known from the “old books”, the holiday known as Navasard lasted a whole week and each new day brought something new and previously unknown to the people of Armenia Ordinary inhabitants were filled not only with unbridled joy, but also with all-consuming unity Navasard was celebrated everywhere Both commoners and members of the “royal families” took part in it Throughout the holiday, the people of Armenia indulged in fun:• danced• sang folk songs• participated in sports competitions• performed mysterious fortune telling Bright (conspicuous) tents and marquees were erected everywhere Huge fires were lit, over which (according to folk customs) young Armenians jumped Honoring ancient traditions, commoners tried to expel “evil spirits” from their lands, which could harm everyone: people, livestock, and crops At its core, Navasard was somewhat reminiscent of the world-famous Olympic Games Only it took place not in Athens, but in ancient Ashtishat - which is considered the true center of all Armenian paganism and spirituality Despite the fact that the main emphasis of the holiday was on the sports (physical) component, a huge number of poets, artists, and musicians could be seen here These talented people brought a certain zest to all the events that took place these days The water festival (in common parlance Vardavar) was especially popular among ordinary Armenians It was then that an interesting tradition of pouring water on each other appeared Everything took place to musical tunes with a huge crowd of people In the modern world, the holiday of Armenian origin has reached the state level (since 2008) It was timed to coincide with the glorious victories of the great and almighty warrior of the Armenian people, Hayk, who was able to win a unique victory over the vile and cruel dictator Bel (on that very day - August 11) It was this “great day” that became the Day of National Identity All Armenians, without exception, supported this initiative And legislators carried out the project at the highest level