Amoo norooz
Encyclopedia
Amoo Norooz or Amoo Norouz is the "Uncle" of Norooz, the Persian New Year. Along with his side-kick Haji firouz, Amoo Norooz ushers in the spring time every year according to Persian tradition
. On the eve of spring equinox
, when the Persian New Year is celebrated, Amoo Norooz brings children gifts, much like his Western counterpart Santa Claus
. Along with Amoo Norooz and Haji Firouz, the Persian New Year mythical characters include Naneh Sarma
, sometimes called Lady of the Cold Spells, or Grandma Frost.
Haji Firooz is the announcer of Norooz's arrivel while Amoo Norooz is more of a respected--almost always older--character who gives the gifts of Norooz. Haji firooz is young, playful and clown-like. He dances, chants and plays his tamboreen and makes people happy. Amoo Norooz, on the other hand, is more of a wise historical presence who passes the old story of Norooz to the young, thus giving the occasion the respect it deserves. Also, Haji Firooz demands Aidee while Amoo Norooz is the giver.
The first time the character of Amoo Norooz was animated was in 2005, in the cartoon Babak and Friends
- A First Norooz.
Culture of Iran
To best understand Iran, Afghanistan, their related societies and their people, one must first attempt to acquire an understanding of their culture. It is in the study of this area where the Persian identity optimally expresses itself...
. On the eve of spring equinox
Equinox
An equinox occurs twice a year, when the tilt of the Earth's axis is inclined neither away from nor towards the Sun, the center of the Sun being in the same plane as the Earth's equator...
, when the Persian New Year is celebrated, Amoo Norooz brings children gifts, much like his Western counterpart Santa Claus
Santa Claus
Santa Claus is a folklore figure in various cultures who distributes gifts to children, normally on Christmas Eve. Each name is a variation of Saint Nicholas, but refers to Santa Claus...
. Along with Amoo Norooz and Haji Firouz, the Persian New Year mythical characters include Naneh Sarma
Naneh Sarma
Naneh Sarma is a mythical character in Iranian folklore, similar to the characters Haji firouz, Amoo norooz, and so forth. Naneh Sarma goes back to the Zaroastrian times....
, sometimes called Lady of the Cold Spells, or Grandma Frost.
Haji Firooz is the announcer of Norooz's arrivel while Amoo Norooz is more of a respected--almost always older--character who gives the gifts of Norooz. Haji firooz is young, playful and clown-like. He dances, chants and plays his tamboreen and makes people happy. Amoo Norooz, on the other hand, is more of a wise historical presence who passes the old story of Norooz to the young, thus giving the occasion the respect it deserves. Also, Haji Firooz demands Aidee while Amoo Norooz is the giver.
The first time the character of Amoo Norooz was animated was in 2005, in the cartoon Babak and Friends
Babak and Friends
Babak and Friends - A First Norooz is a direct-to-DVD animated film by Norooz Productions, later renamed Big Bad Boo Studios. The 33-minute cartoon was released in 2005. The film was made to teach children about the Persian New Year Norooz, celebrating the coming of spring and is about a little boy...
- A First Norooz.