|
Your Passport To Adventure! |
“NOROOZ,” THE IRANIAN NEW YEAR, CELEBRATION
The
Iranian New Year, or Norooz, begins with the vernal equinox and
coming of the spring season. Thus, the first day of Norooz falls
on March 20 or 21 of the Western calendar. The ancient Iranians or Persians
celebrated two major festivals—one in the spring and the other in
the autumn of the each year. The spring celebration (Norooz)
has been the bigger of the two, dating back 7,000 years ago. The Norooz
celebration lasts from six to thirteen days and is truly a national
undertaking. All Iranians, irrespective of their creed, celebrate Norooz
and partake in the myriad of activities that surround this festive national
holiday.
Iranians, the world over, prepare and celebrate the coming of Norooz. One of the activities include the “jumping over the fire” that was held in the home of Reza and Mahin Ghavamian Hejazi on Tuesday evening, the eve of Norooz. Everyone who jumps over the fire symbolizes the good energy one gets.
A
special feature of the Norooz celebration includes spreading
the cloth on which are placed seven hallowed symbols beginning with the
letter “S” in the Persian language. These are sabzeh
(sprouts), sonbol (hyacinth), somagh (sumac), seeb
(apples), seer (garlic), samanoo (a dish made of wheat
germ or lentils), and senjed (fruit of the jujube), all are symbols
of rebirth, beauty, and health. In addition, other symbols of rejuvenation
are displayed, such as eggs, vinegar, a mirror, gold fish, and the holy
book. This set-up was displayed in the home of Reza and Mahin and in the
dinner dance. The festive mood of Norooz celebrations is reflected
in the happy, smiling faces, and special greetings that are exchanged
among family, friends, and even strangers. It is customary to do a thorough
housecleaning several weeks before Norooz. Young and old wear
new clothing, and relatives and friends visit each other’s homes
and are served a variety of foods, sweets, and tea. Children are especially
jovial during Norooz as they receive toys and other gifts, including
money.
Iran, like many other countries with a long and continuing history, has experienced several ups and downs in its existence. Invasions and control by outsiders have been common in Iran’s past. Notwithstanding its tumultuous past and despite numerous attempts by invaders and occupiers to subjugate the Iranians and eradicate their culture, Norooz has survived the test of time. Even during the darkest days of Iran’s history, Norooz was celebrated, sometimes secretly to avoid harsh punishment by the invaders and occupiers, as the most significant symbol of Iranian culture and vitality. Today, there is no other event that binds Iranians from all walks of life together like Norooz does.
The
Iranian American Society of Mobile presented the Norooz party
of 1387 (the new year following the Iranian calendar) on the 21st of March
at the Marriott Hotel with the a dinner dance. The celebration included
the Ey-Iran anthem and New Year’s message by Dr. Mohammad Mostafavi
Jabbary along with an English message by Sara Baghaei and Mahnaz Baghaei.
Mahin Ghavamian, through her leadership and dedication to the Mobile International
Festival for the past 20 years, along with Estela Dorn, executive director
of the Festival, were asked to speak on the importance of representation
of the Persian culture in the festival. The party was complete with a
Traditional Dance Program by Mozhgan Bayatpour, dancing to the music by
D.J. Pejman, and prize giveaways by the Iranian businesses of Mobile.