Overview
About the event
Navasard, the ancient Armenian New Year, dates back thousands of years. It began in pre-Christian Armenia as a celebration tied to both the seasons and the gods.
The event marked the start of the new year according to the old Armenian calendar, which originally began in early spring. Farmers, warriors, and royalty alike took part, with everyone coming together to honor their deities.
The Armenian pagan priests, known as the magi, were responsible for overseeing the rituals and festivities.
They led ceremonies at sacred places, often near rivers and mountains, where the gods were believed to gather. People thanked the gods for the harvest and prayed for rain, fertility, and protection for the coming year.
During Navasard, the focus was on honoring the gods, particularly Anahit, Astghik, and Vahagn, three central figures in Armenian mythology.
Offerings of food, animals, and symbolic gifts were made in their names. The celebration also involved large feasts, sports, and dancing, making it the most important holiday of the year.
Due to changes in the calendar in the 11th century, the festival shifted from spring to late summer. This adjustment didn�??t dampen the spirit, and the celebration continued, although its prominence faded with time.
The event marked the start of the new year according to the old Armenian calendar, which originally began in early spring. Farmers, warriors, and royalty alike took part, with everyone coming together to honor their deities.
The Armenian pagan priests, known as the magi, were responsible for overseeing the rituals and festivities.
They led ceremonies at sacred places, often near rivers and mountains, where the gods were believed to gather. People thanked the gods for the harvest and prayed for rain, fertility, and protection for the coming year.
During Navasard, the focus was on honoring the gods, particularly Anahit, Astghik, and Vahagn, three central figures in Armenian mythology.
Offerings of food, animals, and symbolic gifts were made in their names. The celebration also involved large feasts, sports, and dancing, making it the most important holiday of the year.
Due to changes in the calendar in the 11th century, the festival shifted from spring to late summer. This adjustment didn�??t dampen the spirit, and the celebration continued, although its prominence faded with time.
