I found it interesting to share a blog post that
discusses Persian New Year, also known as Nowruz. The word Nowruz in Farsi
translates to "The New Day" in the Solar Hijri calendar. It is
celebrated on the day of the astronomical Northward equinox, which usually
occurs on March 21 or the previous/following day depending on where it is
observed. This is a common traditional celebration practiced by many Persian
households. Nowruz is an official
holiday lasting for 13 days during which most national functions including
schools are off and festivities take place. It proclaims
the end of the winter and cold and the coming of spring. Persians have a
spring-cleaning in their home for new events in the New Year. Nowruz is seen as
a relic of ancient times, memories of old tales and epics, "a celebration
of rebirth and rejuvenation".
The dark has passed and the light of hope shines in
people’s hearts. The night before Iranians
celebrate the last Wednesday of the year as Chahārshanbe Suri, Sur
meaning feast, party or festival in Persian. The tradition includes
people going into the streets and alleys to make bonfires, and jump over them
while singing the traditional songs. The fire is believed to burn out all the
fear (yellowness) in their subconscious or their spirit, in preparation for New
Year.
Historically, Nowruz dates back many centuries ago. Historians trace it
to pre-Islamic Iran. Some historians believe that there is a connection to
Jamshid Shah Jam, one of the epic kings of Persia (Iran). Engravings on ancient
tablets and monuments picture Archamenid kings celebrating Nowruz some two
thousand and five hundred years ago. It was,
therefore, a highly auspicious occasion for the ancient Iranian peoples. It has
been suggested that the famous Persepolis complex, or at least the palace of
Apadana and the Hundred Columns Hall, were built for the specific purpose of
celebrating Nowruz. It is
remarkable that for many centuries of history Iranians have kept their ancient
way of celebrating the New Year in Iran in the midst of Arab invasions and the
conversion of the nation to Islam. The practice of Nowruz is a collection of
many centuries of cultural influence. Haft-Seen
or the seven 'S's is a traditional table setting for Nowruz. It is made up of
seven symbols of life and the interaction of human beings with nature. These
are visiting elders, giving gifts, special foods, house cleaning, wearing of
new clothes, forgetting old grudges and embracing new things all make up
different aspects of Nowruz. This is a celebration that all Persians look
forward and like to preserve their ancient roots. Even though I am of Armenian
descent, my relatives that recently came to America still practice traditional
Iranian celebrations because they have become so enriched by Iranian culture
that it becomes second nature. I remember growing up we would celebrate Nowruz
and even start a small bonfire in our backyard and hop over the fire as a way
to cleanse or start off the New Year.
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