Navasard in Armenia

Armenian symbol "Eternity"According to legend, Hayk Akhenavor (Hayk Archer), who went down in history as Hayk Naapet (patriarch-ancestor of the Armenian people, founder of the royal dynasty of Aykazuni), defeated in the battle of Dyutsaznamart (south-east of Lake Van, middle current of the Ayots Dzor river) the troops of the Assyrian tyrant Bel and laid the foundation for the future Armenian state.

This happened on August 11, 2492 BC (according to the traditional Armenian chronology) or in 2107 BC (according to the “Chronological Table” by Mikael Chamchyan).

The main New Year performances took place on both banks of the Aratzani River, on the slope of Mount Npat. The celebrations were attended by the tsar and queen with her retinue, commanders together with the Armenian army. They came from all over Armenia. The meaning of the holiday was not only in fun, but also in the unity of the people.

The celebrations lasted several days. On one of these days, people drank sweet drinks and light wine. On the day of Navasard, there were practically no drunken people, since an ancient Armenian proverb says: “The gods leave the tares on the field of drunkards most of all.” At these holidays, even the food was moderate.

Due to the different climatic conditions of Armenia, different dishes were served on the festive table in different regions. In these dishes, the first place was occupied by round wheat, which grew only in Armenia. Armenians put bread baked from this wheat on the table so that the pagan gods of Armenians made the new year fertile. Perhaps one of the ancient Armenian sayings - you can not borrow bread in Navasard - is the result of these traditions. And so they always tried to put bread baked from wheat grown with their own hands on the holiday.

There is an old saying: “Without wine comes the new year, without ngatzahik – it is late.” In ancient times, ngatzahik was the most famous seasoning. This appetizing flower grew on the slopes of Masis (Ararat). It was collected and dried by Armenians living in the districts of Masyatsotn and Tzhakatk, and then distributed throughout Armenia. And in whatever district the Armenian lived, he always had a ngatzahik on Navasard. This tradition (to use susho ngazahik in New Year’s dishes) was a symbol of national unity of Armenians. Ngatzahik connected all Armenians with Masis, the heart of the Motherland.

The holiday is celebrated today, and it takes place in the pagan temple of Garni.