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Story by Vivienne Mackie
With so many spring festivals celebrating nature’s
rebirth after winter, it’s not surprising that some people choose to
celebrate their new year at the time of the spring equinox. This
traditional Persian celebration is a national holiday for all Iranians,
Muslim and non-Muslim, and is one of the most colorful and fun festivals,
much loved by children too. Sima, who calls herself an Iranian, and Hamid,
who calls himself a Persian, were very excited to tell me about Noruz.
Noruz is a legacy of
Zoroastrianism, one of the oldest religions in the world, founded in
Persia (Iran) in the sixth century BC. This pre-Islamic holiday is also
celebrated as Navruz, Nau-Roz, or Noo Roz in Afghanistan, Albania,
Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistaan, Terkmenistan, and
Uzbekistan..
On Noruz Eve families make a
traditional omelet with greens and eat it with pilaf - the national dish
of rice that symbolizes an abundant year. Friends visit and exchange
gifts, like colored eggs, fruits, bunches of narcissus tied with colored
ribbons, or beautiful bowls or clay jars. The visiting and gift exchange
continue for the whole 13 days of Noruz, as this is an important custom.
Also on the last day of the old year families lay out piles of twigs and
small branches up and down the streets of the neighborhoods and at dusk
they set the bundles alight. Traditionally, each member of the family,
young and old, runs down the line, jumping over the small fires and
calling for the redness of the fires to take away their winter pale skin
and bring them good health in the new year.
They are: Sabyeh - green sprouts grown from seed
In some villages boys and young
men hold wrestling matches and other sports events. Others put on band
concerts, using kettle drums or native oboes, and the villagers enjoy
gathering round the platforms to watch and listen. On the final day of Noruz called SIZDAR-BEDAHA, or “Thirteenth Day Out”, Sima tells me “We believe it is unlucky to stay in the house. We must try to go outside somewhere”. The whole family goes to the country or to gardens and parks to welcome spring with a picnic lunch, and to leave behind the bad luck associated with the number 13. The children take the sabyeh and throw them into a stream of running water, to throw away bad luck, family quarrels, and illness. In the countryside folk singers, dancers, clowns, and costumed actors wander around and entertain all the picnickers. A wonderful day is had by all. Sima really misses this special picnic day now that she is living out of Iran, but her family still prepares the special festival table, and she’s determined to keep the tradition alive for her children. In the USA various American-Iranian organizations will hold dinners and functions:
www.american-iranian.org in Washington DC Other web sites:
www.tehran.stanford.edu: a detailed history of the festival In the BAHA’I religion New Year is also called No Ruz or Naw-Ruz and falls on March 21. The Baha’i religion teaches that worship should not become a fixed routine. Therefore there are no set ways of celebrating any Baha’i festival, but on this day there is usually a meal for large groups of followers, who offer prayers together. Web: www.us.bahai.org. |
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JustSayGO Travel Show
No Ruz
lasts for 13 days but preparations begin a few weeks in advance. About 15
days before March 21 every household starts to prepare the SABZEB, which
are sprouted grains of wheat, barley or lentils. They are germinated in a
dish or on a clay jug moistened with water, then grow slowly until, by
Noruz, they are a mass of greens, symbolizing life and good fortune. While
the sprouts are growing, houses are well cleaned, repaired and perhaps
even painted and. Children get new clothes and gifts, and even adults try
to have at least one item of new clothing.
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