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ALACS Spring Exhibition "Children and Novruz" March 18, 2006 15450 - 105 Av

	Message from the President of ALACS:
	Dear Family, You are invited to participate in ALACS spring project "Children and Novruz". Novruz is the most favorite spring celebration back home, in Azerbaijan. Here in Canada, this project will facilitate you sharing your best Novruz memories with your children and each other. It can also help one Azeri family, who have lost their 8-year-old child January 2006 to recollect energy of Novruz through this difficult time. So, please, participate and let the Spring come into your hearts!
Who is eligible?
Everyone shall participate in this project! Children (2 - 12) will do Paintings! Parents are encouraged to read instructions below and to motivate their children! Everyone else can largely contribute to the second part of this project (read to the end to learn more)!
Content:
	History of Novruz Novruz Traditions What Parents shall do? What Children should do? What will be next?
History of Novruz
Novruz Bayrami originates from the Ancient Mesopotamia. In Babylon New Year was celebrated the 21st day of Nissanu (correspondent to March and April) with festivities held further 12 days, each commemorated with individual rites, amusements and performances. Novruz celebrations begin four weeks before the actual day of festivity. These four weeks - or, exactly four Wednesdays: Su Charhshanba (Water Wednesday), Odlu Charhshanba (Flame Wednesday), Torpaq Charhshanba (Earth Wednesday) and Akhir Charhshanba (Last Wednesday). According to folk beliefs, on Water Wednesday 'water renewed and dead-water came to stir'; the Flame Wednesday was believed the day of fire rebirth; on Earth Wednesday the earth revived. The most important of the Wednesdays is the Akhir Charhshanba (Last Wednesday before the vernal equinox), when the wind opens tree buds and spring arrives!

Novruz Traditions
Azerbaijan as a cradle of fire-worshipping had rich Novruz traditions associated with fire which also was believed a way to purify oneself. Making fires on streets, roofs and elevated points was wide accepted and jumping over a fire on Last Wednesday was considered compulsory for community members regardless to their age and sex. In Azerbaijan it was accepted to jump either once over seven fire piles or jump seven times over the same one. To pass to the actual day of Novruz, vernal equinox was proclaimed to have come with flares and gun shooting. According to beliefs, plenty of food and holiday dishes would provide sufficiency of these products in New Year. Very often these days you can hear the nock behind your door. However when you open the door, you can find only a hat on the floor. Put some sweets and eggs, close the door and shortly open again: the hat disappears. This “anonymous way” kids from your neighborhood use to get from you sweets and gifts.
What Parents shall do?
-Read History and Traditions of Novruz together with your children; Tell your children about important attributes of Novruz: Samani/Sabza, Fire, Khoncha, Eggs and Sweets; -Tell your children about how your family used to celebrate Novruz when you were a kid: tell what you liked the most; -Tell about this project: Your children are welcome to draw/paint what they like the most about Novruz; -Provide your children with everything what is necessary for drawing and painting. The paper size is not really important.

What Children shall do?
	Listen what your parents will tell you about Novruz; What did you like about Novruz? Can you draw or paint it? Try it now! Your Fantasy and Your PARTICIPATION - That is what important to us!
S o m e A t t r i b u t e s o f N o v r u z:

What will be next?
Bring your Novruz painting to Novruz Party We will hang your painting on the wall, so everyone can see it We will start auction: Your child's picture will be sold to yours or other Azeri families. So, don't forget to bring cash with you! The money from the auction will go to the Azeri child, who is currently in hospital!