It's March 1st and I can smell NOROOZ in the air!! For every Iranian to read!

[naderjan]

Here is the history of Norooz.Enjoy it and pass it artound.
We should never let our GREATEST tradition die.
I want you to read it and give me feedback!
Ba sepas,
Nader




Norooz spirit:



Norooz is the Iranian new year festival. The word itself literally means "new day" in Persian language and the festival marks the beginning of the solar year as well as the new year on the Iranian and several other national calenders.

At its core, the Noroozfestival celebrates the awakening of the natural life. This awakening symbolizes the triumph of good, winning against the evil forces of darkness that are represented by the Winter.

No*****s the point when the oppressive presence of the cold Winter finally begins to retrieve with the commencement of the lively and hopeful Spring. This symbolic and poetic change corresponds to the mathematical instance of the sun leaving the zodiac of Pisces and entering the zodiacal sign of Aries, also known as the Spring Equinox.

As described above, Noroozrepresents much of what Iranian/Persian character, history, politics and religion are all about. For centuries, Persians have applied the Noroozspirit to every dark challenge that has come their way. This spirit has made Noroozfar more than just a New year celebration!

History of Norooz:


The calender keeps track of months and years. There is no record of calenders and the way people calculated dates in the pre-Achaemenian era. After the Achaemenids, however, two kinds of calender were created.
The first calender was found in Persepolis inscriptions. It consisted of twelve months, probably beginning in autumn. This calender was a solar calender, including leap years.
The calender keeps track of months and years. There is no record of calenders and the way people calculated dates in the pre-Achaemenian era. After the Achaemenids, however, two kinds of calender were created.
The first calender was found in Persepolis inscriptions. It consisted of twelve months, probably beginning in autumn. This calender was a solar calender, including leap years.

The second calender was the Avesta calender which was the origin of the current Iranian calender.
In ancient Iran lunar months were used in a different way. The week, which was one of the bases of the Semitic calender, did not exist. Instead, the month was divided into thirty days, each month having a specific name.

The year in the Avestaian calender was comprised of 365 days which made up twelve 30-day months. The five remaining days were called "Panjeh".

In the old Persia, the time of the king's coronation was considered the beginning of the calender and the years were named after the kings. For example, they said, 'the fifth month of Ardeshir's seventh year of rule'. In 247 B.C., beginning with the Parthian era, the origin of the calender was changed. Beginning with the Sassanid dynasty, again the calender was changed to that used in the Achaemenian era.At the time of Yazdgerd, the last Sassanid king, the year 631 A.D. was chosen as a new beginning for the Iranian calender. Since no king ascended the throne after him, that calender remained in use as the Yazdgerdi calender.

According to Zoroastrian belief, the month of Farvardin (the first month of the Iranian solar calender) refers to the Faravashis (spirits) which return t the material world during the last tend days of the year. Therefore, the Zoroastrians honor the ten-day period in order to make the spirits of their deceased ancestors happy. The tradition by some of going to cemeteries before Noroozmay have its origin in this belief. Others have narrated tales about the origin of norooz. One version is that on this day, Kia Khosrow, son of Parviz Bardina, ascended the throne and made Iranshahr flourish.
Another version is that on this special day (1st of Farvardin), Jamshid, the Pishdadi king, sat on golden throne while people carried him on their shoulders. They saw the sun's rays on the king and celebrated the day.

Yet another story mentions Solomon who lost his ring and, as a result, lost his reign. After searching for it for forty days, he found his ring and recovered his sovereignty. Hence, the people cried, "Norooz(the new day) has come".

In ancient times the Noroozfestival started on the first day of Farvardin (January 21, but it is not certain how long that lasted. In some royal courts the festivities continued for one month. According to some documents, the Noroozgeneral festival was held until the fifth day of Farvardin, and the Noroozspecial festival continued until the end of the month. Perhaps, during the first five days of Farvardin, the Noroozfestival was of a public and national nature, while during the rest of the month it assumed a private and royal aspect, when the kings received the common people at the royal court.
The Noroozcelebration is an ancient, national Iranian custom. The details of Noroozcelebrations before the Achaemenian era are not known to us. There is no mention of Noroozcelebrations in Avesta. It is not known either how the Noroozfestival was viewed from the standpoint of the religious beliefs of ancient Persians. However, there exist some references to Noroozfestival in a few books written in the Sassanid era.



According to some Babylonian works, Achaemenian kings sat in the veranda of their palace during Noroozcelebrations receiving representatives of different states who offered their precious gifts to the kings. It is said that Darius the Great, an Achaemenian king (421-486 B.C.), visited the temple of Ba'al Mardook, the great deity in ancient Babylon, at the outset of every new year.
The Parthians and Sassanids also celebrated Noroozevery year by holding special rituals and ceremonies.On the morning of norooz, the king wore his adorned garments and entered the court alone. Then, someone famous for his lucky steps arrived in the court. Next, the supreme Moobed (Zoroastrian priest),


holding a golden cup and ring and coins, a sword, a bow and arrow, ink, a quill and flowers arrived at court, reciting a special prayer.
High-ranking government officials arrived after the supreme Moobed, presenting their gifts to the king. The king sent the precious gifts to the treasury and distributed other gifts among the audience. Twenty-five days before norooz, twelve pillars made of mud bricks were built in the courtyard; and twelve different kinds of seed were sown on tops of the pillars.
On the sixth day of norooz, they picked the newly grown plants and strewed them over the floor in the court, not collecting them till the 16th of Farvardin, called Mehr Day. Building a fire was another public custom observed particularly on the eve of norooz. The fire which Iranians by tradition build on the last Wednesday of the year has its origin in this ancient custom. Ancient Persians respected fire; it was believed fire can help purify the air.
On the first morning of norooz, people sprinkled water on one another. After converting to Islam, the custom was preserved, only they used rose-water instead. Among other Norooztraditions was bathing on 6th of Farvardin (March 26) and offering sugar to each other as a gift. The most glorious tradition, however, was allowing legumes to grow in a shallow dish of water, called "Sabzeh".



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[naderjan]

Here is more info:
Norooz @ other countries

Norooz is the new year holiday in Iran, Azerbaijan, Central Asia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, parts of India and among the Kurds. The word itself literally means "new day" in Persian, and the festival marks the beginning of the solar year and new year on the Iranian calendar, as well as among several other nationalities.

This year, Norooz falls on Monday March 20, with the following day, the vernal
equinox, being the first day of the new year. Norooz traditionally celebrates the awakening of nature, and even the triumph of good over the oppressive darkness of winter. It is a time to celebrate life at the time when life begins or is renewed for much of that which is on the earth. The new year is marked at the instant the sun leaves the astrological sign of Pisces and enters that of Aries.

This renewal of nature is the essence of this millennia-old tradition. Originally held as a spring festival, it is believed to have been first acknowledged and named "Norooz" by the mythical Persian emperor Jamshid. Others credit the Achaemenid dynasty of the 12th century B.C. for institutionalizing the Norooz festival.

The spirit and significance of the holiday has often made Norooz a target for foreign invaders and anti-nationalist forces throughout the history of Iran. Alexander the Great and the Arab conquerors a thousand years later tried to eliminate the holiday. The Soviet Union banned it in Central Asia and Azerbaijan, as it was considered a nationalist or Islamic holiday.

The celebration was banned in Kurdish sections of Turkey, though, for the last few years, Turkish officials have allowed some festivities.

[naderjan]

Another informative essay, published in Persian Mirror!


Norooz Propagated to the Remotest Parts of the World via Persian Gulf by Anonymous


Norooz, as ancient as Iranian history, is the greatest symbol of the and cultural identity of our nation which has gallantly outlived all adversities and adversaries. Differing only slightly from area to area, under the influence of local norms and moralities, Norooz ceremonies are observed in much the same way. The main characteristics of Norooz, such as feasting, friendly visits, giving and receiving gifts, wearing new dress, arranging the "Sofreh Haft Seen" (a special piece of cloth normally of the highest quality on which in addition to a mirror, are put 7 certain items whose names start with the letter sounding as "S" in English ), opening the gates of hearts to happiness, are the strong strings which bind Iranians, from the southern coasts of Persian Gulf to the shores of Capstan Sea, to this feast which is lovingly observed.

Norooz, starting from 21st March until 2nd of April, is an all encompassing national ceremony which Iranians have always felt emotionally compelled to observe. However, this ancient custom which has in the course of history faced many troubles, has had a specially tragic history in the southern coasts of Iran, where, after each dark era, the people have always redeemed its glory.

Without any doubt, the bitterest animosity with Norooz came from Baghdad, the capital of the Caliphs of Ommiad dynasty, who using Islam as their means of retaining power. Historical evidence indicates that the religion of Islam had many conflicts with Norooz which was considered as a non-Islamic celebration and behavior, but in most parts of Iran it was observed in secret by Iranians; later Norooz was glorified by Alavites as a worthy ceremony. Islamic Caliphs, with their characteristic racist zeal prohibited all Iranian feasts and customs. This prohibition forced Iranians to present gifts to the greedy agents of the caliph to gain the permission to celebrate Norooz. Giving gifts, the bulk of which were transferred to the treasuries of the caliphs, became a regular practice through which the people of Iran the coastal areas had to present to the caliph's court, their most precious belongings like, musk, ambergris, gold, silver, cashmere, silk, and valuable pieces of cloth as an official tax, but under the pretence of gifts.

Revival of Norooz

Abu Muslim Khorasani, not only abolished this practice in the era of Abbassid caliphs, but reversed the process by forcing them to hand out gifts to the artisans and poets during the Iranian feasts and specially Norooz. The history of observance and respect for Norooz by Arabs, started in Khozestan during the Abbassid caliphs. It was from that era that the word Nirooz became customary in Arab lands.

Diffusion of Iranian culture

Norooz found its way to other lands through Persian Gulf and the Oman Sea sailors and merchants. The Timurid princes who went to India in 18th century, celebrated Norooz with great pomp and ceremony. It was also through this very same route that Norooz entered Arab lands and even the Abbassid royal court. Egyptian Copts who consider Norooz the first day of the new year, picnic in gardens, meadows and grasslands. They have acquired this tradition from sailors. They call the Norooz day , "Shamm al Nassim" (scenting the zephyr). Apart from this, the barges traveling on Arvand Rood used to celebrate Norooz hanging beautiful stings of lights the beauty of which was doubled by their reflections on the water.

Burning shrubs was a characteristic of Norooz observed in Baghdad and all southern coastal areas of the Persian Gulf.

Even now, if not in Baghdad, it is practiced in the coastal areas of the Persian Gulf. The Barez tribe of Kerman, the Qashqaie tribe of Fars, along with other southern tribes burn shrubs and dance round the fire in Norooz and other feasts. Choobi dance, Sareban dance, and shepherd boys' dance are still practiced in Baluchestan and Bushehr. In Sistan, on Norooz eve young Sistani girls sing around the Hamoon Lake. The No-Rooz ceremonies in Sistan are quite unique. But in recent decades, the economic and cultural problems have relegated them to marginal rank.

Precocious spring and Samanoo Pazan ceremonies

The southern parts of the country being warmer, the spring arrives much sooner. The palm orchards, plains and meadows turn emerald green. The people start preparing themselves for the arrival of Norooz earlier than their other compatriots by obtaining new cloths, repairing and cleaning their homes, resurfacing the roof tops. Those who have dear ones away from them, or, expect Norooz guests in Norooz holidays, prepare themselves to welcome them by washing the carpets, the bedding and making arrangements for their guests to assure a pleasant stay for them. Within their means, they paint the walls and the doors, and above all, they dust the misunderstandings and conflicts away from their hearts. Then they await Norooz, counting the days down.

One specially local practice in this region is Samanoo Pazan (cooking a kind of sweet thick soup from wheat). Apart from the wheat that they grow on plates as a symbol of greenness, they soak wheat and as soon as the seed, germinate, they cut it into small portions to be beaten in mortars. Mixed with wheat flour, wall nuts or almonds, this is then poured in big cauldrons and left to boil. On the special night of making the Samanoo, or as locally called, Samanoo Pazan feast, close and distant relatives are invited to steer the Samanoo. They believe that, those who make wishes while steering the Samanoo with the ladle, will have their wishes granted. For this very reason, the young men and girls marriage age have a very active part in these ceremonies. The next morning when the Samanoo is properly boiled, or as they call it, matured, it will be poured in big or small pots for distribution among neighbors. It is believed that making Samanoo is a way of paying vows.

The reasons for making Samanoo in that particular time are, first, the fertilization of wheat plants at that time of the year and, second, they decorate their Haft Seen Sofreh with that Samanoo.

These ceremonies, and other rituals which are common among all Iranians, are observed by the islanders and the inhabitants of these coastal areas with special splendor and grandeur. Norooz visits, receiving gifts from the elders, the dances and the happiness are symbols of unity and accord among the inhabitants of our vast country. The climatic conditions of southern coasts bring the precocious spring to the region, filling meadows and grasslands with colored flowers, like hyacinth and narcissus.

Since in Bushehr, Kangan, Dashti, Dashtistan, Ganaveh, Bandar Abbas, and other coastal areas, the majority of the people are fishermen, one of the dishes which decorate their Haft Seen Sofrehs, is Sabzi - polo- mahi; a dish made of rice, vegetables and fish.

Despite their distance, The people of Fars province are, because of their relations with the coastal people, under the influence of their rites and ceremonies. The moderate climate of the Fars province and its similarity to the coastal weather has augmented these relationship to such a degree that many Iranians from all over the country spend their Norooz Holidays in Fars, Khuzistan, Bushehr and Hormozgan provinces, enjoying the clean delicate air of the south. As a poet might have put it: The air is so mild in February, you see blossoms on our almond tree.

Hana Bandan and baking of home made sweets: Another Norooz ceremony in south of Iran is the ancient practice of Hana Bandan, where, women and children dye their hands and feet with henna. The women who have to work in the fields believe that henna having many medical properties, will protect their skins against many natural elements including sun shine. The beauty of Norooz becomes even more attractive when groups of women and children adorned in colorful dresses, wearing anklets and shining with colorful spangles, travel from of village to another. These create very pleasant scenes for travelers.

Another local Norooz custom is baking sweet breads, locally called" Kaak" which is generally known as New Year's Sweet Bread. The difference between Kaak and Tonok Bread is that sugar and oil is added to the former. The dough is baked on frying pans and then rolled and cut into lozenges. Making Samanoo and baking such breads being rather expensive, the rich seeing it as form of paying vows, share them with less well off families so that they could have them on their Haft Seen Sofrehs.

Norooz is the most ancient heritage of our ancestors. This feast is observed not only in every corner of the country, but also any where Iranians live, even aboard ships and barges. In this way many foreigners have come to know Norooz and eagerly participate in its festivities and ceremonies. Among our neighboring countries, and specially in Indian sub continent, No-Rooz feasts are held with great grandeur. This in itself is a proper means of transmitting the Iranian culture to the other parts of the world.

Iranians living abroad have in their new homes acquainted the locals with aspects of Iranian culture. Their children take Norooz ceremonies to their schools. The florist and pet shop salesman now realize that whoever seeks hyacinths and little gold fish close to the spring time, must be an Iranian.

[naderjan]

Another great article on NOROOZ!

NOROOZ (New Day)

THE NEW YEAR OF THE IRANIAN PEOPLES

Norooz (Nowruz, Nevruz, Newruz) in Persian means "New [-year]-day". It is the beginning of the year for the peoples of Iran (Greater Iran, including: Afghanistan, Arran (Republic of Azerbaijan) and Central Asian Republics).



Turkey too has decided to declare Norooz a holiday. It is also celebrated as the New Year by the people of the Iranian stock, particularly the Kurds a, in the neighboring countries of Georgia, Iraq, Syria, and Turkey.



It begins precisely with the beginning of spring on vernal equinox, on or about March 21. Tradition takes Norooz as far back as 15,000 years--before the last ice age. King Jamshid (Yima or Yama of the Indo-Iranian lore) symbolizes the transition of the Indo-Iranians from animal hunting to animal husbandry and a more settled life in human history. Seasons played a vital part then. Everything depended on the four seasons. After a sever winter, the beginning of spring was a great occasion with mother nature rising up in a green robe of colorful flowers and the cattle delivering their young. It was the dawn of abundance. Jamshid is said to be the person who introduced Norooz celebrations.



Avestan and later scriptures show that Zarathushtra improved, as early as 1725 BCE., the old Indo-Iranian calendar. The prevailing calendar was luni-solar. The lunar year is of 354 days. An intercalation of one month after every thirty months kept the calendar almost in line with the seasons. Zarathushtra, the Founder of the Good Religion, himself an astronomer, founded an observatory and he reformed the calendar by introducing an eleven-day intercalary period to make it into a luni-solar year of 365 days, 5 hours and a fraction. Later the year was made solely a solar year with each month of thirty days. An intercalation of five days was, and a further addition of one day every four years, was introduced to make the year 365 days, 5 hours, and a fraction. Still later, the calendar was further corrected to be a purely solar year of 365 days 5 hr 48 min 45.5 sec. The year began precisely with the vernal equinox every time and therefore, there was no particular need of adding one day every four years and there was no need of a leap year. This was [and still is] the best and most correct calendar produced that far.



Some 12 centuries later, in 487 B.C.E., Darius the Great of the Achaemenian dynasty celebrated the Norooz at his newly built Persepolis in Iran. A recent research shows that it was a very special occasion. On that day, the first rays of the rising sun fell on the observatory in the great hall of audience at 06-30 a.m., an event which repeats itself once every 1400-1 years. It also happened to coincide with the Babylonian and Jewish new years. It was, therefore, a highly auspicious occasion for the ancient peoples. The Persepolis was the place, the Achaemenian king received, on Norooz, his peoples from all over the vast empire. The walls of the great royal palace depict the scenes of the celebrations.



We know the Iranian under the Parthian dynasty celebrated the occasion but we do not know the details. It should have, more or less, followed the Achaemenian pattern. During the Sasanian time, preparations began at least 25 days before Norooz. Twelve pillars of mud-bricks, each dedicated to one month of the year, were erected in the royal court. Various vegetable seeds--wheat, barley, lentils, beans, and others--were sown on top of the pillars. They grew into luxurious greens by the New Year Day. The great king held his public audience and the High Priest of the empire was the first to greet him. Government officials followed next. Each person offered a gift and received a present. The audience lasted for five days, each day for the people of a certain profession. Then on the sixth day, called the Greater Norooz, the king held his special audience. He received members of the Royal family and courtiers. Also a general amnesty was declared for convicts of minor crimes. The pillars were removed on the 16th day and the festival came to a close. The occasion was celebrated, on a lower level, by all peoples throughout the empire.



Since then, the peoples of the Iranian culture, whether Zartoshtis, Jews, Christians, Muslims, Baha’is, or others, have celebrated Norooz precisely at the time of vernal equinox, the first day of the first month, on about March 21.



Today, the ceremony has been simplified. Every house gets a thorough cleaning almost a month before. Wheat, barley, lentils, and other vegetables seeds are soaked to grow on china plates and round earthenware vessels some ten days in advance, so that the sprouts are three to four inches in height by Norooz. A table is laid. It has a copy of the sacred book (the Gathas for Zarathushtrians), picture of Zarathushtra (again for Zarathushtrians), a mirror, candles, incense burner, bowl of water with live gold fish, the plates and vessels with green sprouts, flowers, fruits, coins, bread, sugar cone, various grains, fresh vegetables, colorfully painted boiled eggs like the “Easter eggs,” and above all, seven articles with their names beginning in Persian with the letter s or sh. The usual things with s are vinegar, sumac, garlic, samanu (consistency of germinating wheat), apple, senjed (sorb?), and herbs. Those with sh include wine, sugar, syrup, honey, candy, milk, and rice-pudding. Here in North America, these may be substituted with English words that would alliterate, rhyme, or make mouths water. The seven articles are prominently exhibited in small bowls or plates on the table. The whole table, beautifully laid, symbolizes the Message and the Messenger, light, reflection, warmth, life, love, joy, production, prosperity, and nature. It is, in fact, a very elaborate thanksgiving table for all the good beautifully bestowed by God.



Family members, all dressed in their best, sit around the table and eagerly await the announcement of the exact time of vernal equinox over radio or television. The head of the family recites the Norooz prayers, and after the time is announced, each member kisses the other and wishes a Happy Norooz. Elders give gifts to younger members. Next the rounds of visits to neighbors, relatives, and friends begin. Each visit is reciprocated. Zarathushtra’s Birthday and Norooz festival are celebrated by Zartoshtis at social centers on about 6 Farvardin (26 March). Singing and dancing is, more or less for the first, a daily routine. The festivity continues for 12 days, and on the 13th morning, the mass picnic to countryside begins. It is called sizdeh-be-dar, meaning “thirteen-in-the-outdoors.” Cities and villages turn into ghost towns with almost all the inhabitants gone to enjoy the day in woods and mountains along stream and riversides. People sing, dance, and make merry. Girls of marriageable age tie wild grass tops into knots and make a wish that the following Norooz may find them married and carrying their bonny babies!

[naderjan]

DATES AND TIMES OF NOROOZ!


NoRuz 2564 (1384) begins at 04:03:00 PM Tehran time on Sunday March 20, 2005
NoRuz 2564 (1384) begins at 07:33:00 AM New York time on Sunday March 20, 2005
NoRuz 2564 (1384) begins at 07:33:00 AM Chicago time on Sunday March 20, 2005
NoRuz 2564 (1384) begins at 04:33:00 AM LA time on Sunday March 20, 2005
NoRuz 2564 (1384) begins at 12:33:00 PM London time on Sunday March 20, 2005
NoRuz 2564 (1384) begins at 01:33:00 PM Paris time on Sunday March 20, 2005
NoRuz 2564 (1384) begins at 09:33:00 PM Tokyo time on Sunday March 20, 2005
NoRuz 2564 (1384) begins at 11:33:00 PM Australia/Newzeland time on Sunday March 20, 2005

[naderjan]

A GREAT POEM IN PERSIAN.

TA YEK JAVANEH BAGHIST
NOROOZ MORDANI NIST

http://www.farsinet.com/vaziri/images/noruzcl.jpg

[naderjan]

NOROOZ
Noroozetan Pirooz!
Happy Norooz 1379 !

The Persian New Year is celebrated on the first day of spring. According to the epic Persian poem, Shahnameh, Norooz came into being several millennia ago during the reign of the mythological King Jamshid. Through defeating the demons (divs), and bringing prosperity to his subjects, Jamshid became master of everything but the heavens. To reach the heavens, Jamshid ordered a throne built entirely of jewels. When the throne was ready, Jamshid sat on the jeweled marvel and ordered the demons to lift him to the sky. The Persian people were amazed at their King's power and showered him with jewels and treasures. The day was called Norooz or new day and was recognized as the first day of the year.



send this norooz card using neda e-greetings service.



Eid-e- Norooz,
A Celebration of life

Norooz (Nowroz, No Ruz or Norouz) is the Iranian new year festival. The word itself literally means "new day" in Persian (Farsi) language and the festival marks the beginning of the solar year as well as the new year on the Iranian and several other national calendars.


At its core, the Norooz festival celebrates the awakening of the natural life. This awakening symbolizes the triumph of good, winning against the evil forces of darkness that are represented by the Winter.


Norooz is the point when the oppressive presence of the cold Winter finally begins to retrieve with the commencement of the lively and hopeful Spring. This symbolic and poetic change corresponds to the mathematical instance of the sun leaving the zodiac of Pisces and entering the zodiacal sign of Aries, also known as the Spring Equinox.


As described above, Norooz represents much of what Iranian/Persian character, history, politics and religion are all about. For centuries, Persians have applied the Norooz spirit to every dark challenge that has come their way. This spirit has made Norooz far more than just a New year celebration!

[naderjan]

DON’T LET THE TRADITION DIE!

NOROOZ IS THE BIGGEST CELEBRATION IN PERSIAN HISTORY AND IT WILL REMAIN TO BE ON TOP.
WE WILL PROTECT OUR HERITAGE BY ALL MEANS!

[naderjan]

Sizdah Bedar



On the thirteenth day of the new year, which also marks the end of the Norooz holiday break for the students, families leave their houses and head for the outdoors where they eat, play games, and celebrate a happy and healthy holiday season.

This tradition is called Seezdah Bedar (seezdah means thirteen) which in English translates to "getting rid of thirteen". This fun and exciting outing involves all family members and is intended to end the holiday season on a relaxing and positive note. The concept of avoiding the number thirteen is mainly to symbolize the will and power to deal with all evil in the new year.

An interesting ritual performed at the end of the picnic day is to throw away the Sabzee from the Norooz Haft Seen table. The sabzee is supposed to have collected all the sickness, pain and ill fate hiding on the path of the family throughout the coming year! Touching someone else's sabzee on this thirteenth day or bringing it home is, therefore, not a good idea and may result in inviting their pain and hardship to oneself.

Another meaningful ritual performed with the dumping of the sabzee is that young single women tie the sabzee leaves prior to discarding it, symbolizing the wish to be tied in a marriage by the Seezdah Bedar of the following year!

[naderjan]

Image gallery!
http://www.iranian.ws/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=4

[naderjan]

MORE....


No Ruz, new day or New Year as the Iranians call it, is a celebration of spring Equinox. It has been celebrated by all the major cultures of ancient Mesopotamia. Sumerians, 3000BC, Babylonians 2000 BC, the ancient kingdom of Elam in Southern Persia 2000BC, Akaddians all have been celebrating it in one form or another. What we have today as No Ruz with its’ uniquely Iranian characteristics has been celebrated for at least 3000 years and is deeply rooted in the traditions of Zoroastrian belief system.
This was the religion of Ancient Persia before the advent of Islam 1400 years ago. It is known as the mother religion in the area. The familiar concepts of Hell, Heaven, Resurrection, coming of the Messiah, individual and last judgment were for the first time incorporated into this belief system. They still exist in Judo-Christian and Islamic traditions. In order to understand No Ruz we have to know about Zoroastrians’ cosmology.
These people believed in two primal forces. In their ancient text, Bundahishn foundation of creation, we read that The Lord of Wisdom residing in the eternal light was not God. He created all that was good and became God. The Hostile Spirit, Angra Mainyu (Ahriman), residing in the eternal darkness created all that was bad and became the Hostile Spirit (The word anger in English comes from the same origin).
Everything that produced life, protected and enriched it was regarded as good. This included all forces of nature beneficial to humans. Earth, waters, sky, animals, plants were all good. Justice, honesty, peace, health, beauty, joy and happiness were regarded as belonging to the good forces. All that threatened life and created disorder belonged to the hostile spirits.
The two worlds created did not have a material form but the essence of everything was present. The two existed side by side for three thousand years, but completely separate from each other. At the end of the third millennium the Hostile Spirit saw light, wanted it and attacked the good world. This was the beginning of all troubles we face now.
The Lord of Wisdom in order to protect his world created the material world "Gaeity",Geety in modern Persian. This material world was created at seven different stages. The first creation was the sky, a big chunk of stone high above. The second creation was the first ocean, at the bottom. Earth a big flat dish sitting on the ocean was the third. The next three creations were the prototypes of all life forms. The first plant, the first animal a bull and the first human Gayo-maretan (Kiomarth), both male and female. The seventh creation was fire and sun together.
The struggle continues for 12000 years. There are four periods, each 3000 years. At the last phase several saviors come and the last one Saoshyant will save the world. When he comes there is resurrection, walking over the Chinvat Bridge (Sarat Bridge in Quran) and last judgement. We recognize this figure as Time Lord (Imam Zaman) in Iranian version of Shiite Islam.
In order to protect his creations the Lord of Wisdom also created six holly immortals, Amesha Spenta one for each creation. Khashtra (Sharivar), the protector of sky, Asha-Vahishta (Ordibehesht) protected fire. Vahu Manah (Bahman) for all animals, Haurvatat (Khordad) protected all waters, Spenta Armaiti (Esphand) a female deity protector of mother earth and Ameratat (Amurdad) supported all plant life. Ahura Mazda himself became the protector of all humans and the holly fire.
There was one problem with this material world, it did not have a life cycle. The sun did not move. There were no days or nights and no seasons. The three prototypes of life were sacrificed. From the plant came the seeds of all plants. The bull produced all animals and from the human came the first male and female. The rest of the humanity was created from their union. The cycle of life started. Sun moved, there was day, night and the seasons. This was called the first No Ruz.
The Lord of Wisdom also created guardian angles (forouhars) for all living beings. Every human had one as long as they stayed with the good forces. As we see in the myth of Azydahak in Avesta, the Zoroastrians’ holly book. We know this figure as Zahak in modern Persian. A prince, he chooses the Hostile Spirit as his protector. He was made a king, ruled for 999 years and became immortal.
Zoroaster (Zardosht) the architect of this cosmology introduced many feasts, festivals and rituals to pay homage to the seven creations and the holly immortals. Seven were amongst the most important. They are known as Gahambars, feasts of obligation. The last and the most elaborate was No Ruz, celebrating the Lord of Wisdom and the holly fire at the time of spring equinox.
The oldest archaeological record for No Ruz celebration comes from the Achaemenian (Hakhamaneshi) period over 2500 years ago. They created the first major empire in the region and built Persepolis complex (Takhte Jamshid) in central Iran. This magnificent palace/temple complex was destroyed by Alexander the Great in 334 BC.
Achaemenians had four major residences one for each season. Persepolis was their spring residence and the site for celebrating the New Year. Stone carvings show the king seated on his throne receiving his subjects, governors and ambassadors from various nations under his control. They are presenting him with gifts and paying homage to him. We do not know too much about the details of the rituals. We do know that mornings were spent praying and performing other religious rituals. Later on during the day the guests would be entertained with feasts and celebrations.
We also know that the ritual of sacred marriage took place at this palace. An ancient and common ritual in Mesopotamia, the king would spend the first night of the New Year with a young woman. Any offspring produced from this union would be sent back to the temples and they would normally end up as high-ranking religious officials. There is no evidence that this was practiced later on and was part of the New Year rituals.
What we have today as No Ruz goes back to the Sassanid period. They were the last great Persian Empire before the advent of Islam 1400 years ago. Their celebrations would start five days prior to the New Year. They believed the guardian angles (Fourohars) would come down to earth within these five days to visit their human counter parts. A major spring-cleaning was carried out to welcome them with feasts and celebrations. Bon fires would be set on rooftops at night to indicate to the guardian angles that humans were ready to receive them. This was called Suri Festival.
Modern Iranians still carry out the spring-cleaning and celebrate Wednesday Suri. Bon fires are made and all people will jump over the fire on the last Tuesday of the year. This is a purification rite and Iranians believe by going over the fire they will get rid of all their illnesses and misfortunes. Wednesday Suri did not exist before Islam and very likely is a combination of more than one ritual to make it last.
The ancient Zoroastrians would also celebrate the first five days of No Ruz, but it was the sixth day that was the most important of all. This day was called the Great No Ruz (No Ruze bozorg) and is assumed to be the birthday of Zoroaster himself. Zoroastrians today still celebrate this day, but it has lost its significance for the rest of the Iranians. In Sassanid period the New Year would be celebrated for 21 days and on the 19th day there would be another major festival.
Modern Iranians celebrate New Year for 13 days only. The first few days are spent visiting older members of the family other relatives and friends. Gifts are exchanged; sweets and feasts will be consumed. At the last day, the 13th of the first month, all people will leave their homes to go to the parks or rural areas to spend a day in nature. Again this was not celebrated in this manner before and might be several rituals in one. A major part of the New Year rituals is setting a special table with seven specific items present, Haft Sin (Haft chin, seven crops before Islam). In the ancient times each of the items corresponded to one of the seven creations and the seven holly immortals protecting them.
Today they are changed and modified but some have kept their symbolism. All the seven items start with the letter S; this was not the order in ancient times. Wheat or barley representing new growth is still present. Fish the most easily obtainable animal and water are present. Lit candles are a symbol of fire. Mirrors are used today, origin unknown. These were expensive items in ancient times and were made from polished metal. It is unlikely that all households would have one. Zoroastrians today place the lit candle in front of the mirror. Wine was always present. Today it is replaced by vinegar since alcohol is banned in Islam.
Egg a universal symbol of fertility corresponding to the mother earth is still present. Garlic is used to warn off bad omen. This is a modern introduction. There is no evidence that it was used in that context before. However the ancient Iranians would grow seven different herbs for the New Year and garlic might have been one of those. Samano a thick brownish paste is present today. It is a nutritious meal and could have been part of the feasts. It is also possible that it has replaced Haoma.
Haoma is a scared herbal mix known for its healing properties. It was a major cult on its own with many rituals and ceremonies. The cult is still performed by the Zoroastrians today, but is abandoned by the rest of the Iranians. Coins symbolizing wealth and prosperity, fruits and special meals are present as well.
Why this festival has survived? There have been major attempts by the Muslim rulers over the centuries to minimize it, ban it or get rid of it once for all. The reasons for their failure should be sought in the spirit of this festival. Contrary to the Islamic traditions where death and martyrdom mark all the major rituals, No Ruz is a celebration of life.
Forces of nature completely beyond them dominated people in ancient times. They formed a union with these forces to protect themselves. Through this union they created a balance and maintained the cosmic order Asha. Without it there would be chaos, the world of the Hostile Spirit (Ahriman). The Zoroastrians were and are required to have the same mind, the same voice and act the same way as their god the Lord of Wisdom.
They are expected to only think of good things, speak the good words and act the good deeds. Our celebrated poet Ferdousi over a thousand years ago virtually single handedly translated Avestan mythology into modern Persian. A Zoroastrian who was persecuted all his life because of his fate; he starts his book in the name of the Lord of Life and Wisdom (beh nameh khodavand jaan o kherad). The lord of life and wisdom was Ahura Mazda’s title in the Avestan texts of the Sassanid period. Lord or not, life and wisdom are what that makes us humans. We are the only beings who know we have a life and what we do with our lives depend on the wisdom. At the end of the millennium with the mess this planet is in we need that wisdom more than ever. Creating a balance with nature and maintaining order are very relevant.

Joyous Forecasters

Mir-e-Norouz, Atash Afrouz and Hadji Firouz, are traditional expressions that herald the joyous coming of Norouz. Hadji Firouz is regarded as the more enduring of the other two New Year announcers.
According to Iranian tradition, Hadji Firouz was a man in red clothes who went from street to street singing and beating a tambourine on New Year's eve (which is also the eve of spring). He was usually accompanied by one or two other persons. It is said that he and his companions were symbols of an old custom in Azarbaijan, called "Chisdon Chikhdim," according to which Haji Firouz sang from the streets to inform people that spring had come and that winter has gone. In return, people gave him gifts or money for the good news that he brought.



Spring Cleaning

Iran the custom of welcoming the New Year by making a general house cleaning is also practiced. "Spring clean" is observed days before Norouz with Iranians cleaning every part o the house, dusting furniture and washing carpets. The practice complements the new season and freshness that comes along with spring and New Year. The old Iranian tradition of making houses very clean and spice and span for the New Year celebration is rooted in the belief that the soul of departed family members will come and visit the homes of loved ones on Norouz eve.


Growing Grain Sprouts

The practice of preparing New Year sprouts from wheat for the New Year's eve "Haft Seen" is an ancient one.
As far as tradition goes, generation to generation of Iranian families used to put up 12 mud-brick columns around their royal courtyards, each planted with a particular kind of seed. The seeds planted were usually wheat, barley, rice, bean, broad bean, lentil, millet, chick pea, sesame, and maize.

Harvesting time was accompanied by the singing and playing of musical instruments on the 6th of Farvardin (March 27) of every year, with joy and happiness evident in each Iranian family gathered around the courtyard.
The number of mud pillars represent the 12 months of the year. The mud pillars are to be kept intact until the 16th of Farvardin wen the whole family is to assess the growth of the seeds. The seed that produces the tallest growth is chosen as the year's choice plant for cultivation.



Growing sprouts in homes for the Norouz has its peculiar process and is the responsibility of housewives.
At least ten days before Norouz a housewife takes a handful of seeds, the quantity depending on the number of family members, and makes a wish for health, happiness and prosperity as she places them in a clay pot full of water until they germinate and turn white.
She then spreads them apart in a piece of cloth until they sprout. When the sprouts appear, she transfers them to a copper plate and covers them with a piece of cloth sprayed with water.
When the green plants reach a certain height the housewife ties them with a red ribbon.


Haftseen

With the passing of a year and the coming of another, Iranians get their tables ready with the seven articles that symbolize the triumph of good over evil. The belief dates back to antiquity but the practice is still very much alive. The seven articles usually used are vinegar (serkeh), apple (seeb), garlic (seer), wild olive (senjed), sumac (somaq), juice of germinating wheat or malt mixed with flour and brought to a consistency (Samanu) and a dish of specially raised wheat or other seed spour (Sabzeh). Note that all articles begin with the Persian "s" sound.
Number seven has been regarded as magical by Iranians since ancient times and is symbolic of heaven's highest angels.
Along with the seven articles, Muslims place the Holy Qur'an and Zoroastrians put the Avesta in their New Year table to implore God's blessings. A jar of water is sometimes added to symbolize purity and freshness, along with bread, a traditional symbol of a sustainer of life. It is usual to see fresh milk, cheese, fruits, dates and coins on the New Year table. Wild olives and apples are symbols of love and pomegranates are fruits venerated by Iranians. Coins are used to symbolize prosperity and spherical sour oranges represent the earth.


The Arrival of New Year

When the clock strikes New Year all the members of the family in their clean and new outfits gather around the Norouz table and Haftseen. The family begins the New Year with a prayer for health, happiness and prosperity, usually along these lines: "O Reformer of hearts and minds, Director of day and night and Transformer of conditions, change ours to the best in accordance with Your will."
After the initial celebration to welcome the New Year, the members of the family hug and kiss each other, eat the bounties prepared for the New Year and wish each other the best.
Then the oldest member of the family (usually the father) presents the Eidi (New Year's gift) to younger members. The Eidi usually consists of new and unused paper money that have been put between the pages of the Holy Book.
Visiting relatives during Norouz is among other customs widely practiced.

[Hamidoo]

There's no NOROOZ smell in Toronto, let me put this way....We are about to get 25cm (10") of snow by the end of the day tonite...

[naderjan]

There's no NOROOZ smell in Toronto, let me put this way....We are about to get 25mm of snow by the end of the day tonite...
Hamidoo jan,
I am sure that the spirit of NOROOZ will keep your soul warm in the cold winter nights of Canada!
I wanted to write about the weather conditions in California right now but I ruled against it! LOL :iran1:

[Shahinc]

There's no NOROOZ smell in Toronto, let me put this way....We are about to get 25mm of snow by the end of the day tonite...

well, we don't have snow in Clagary but you are right, there is no Norouz smell here as well.
I need to move some where with more persians and better weather.

[naderjan]

Come on guys!
Even in Iran around this time the weather was cold.
Where is that Persian spirit?

[KABABEE]

Come on guys!
Even in Iran around this time the weather was cold.
Where is that Persian spirit?

Here, here. ey Iran ey marze por gohar.......

I am going to start may sabzi(Gandom) in a couple of days.
BTW naderjan, in your post regarding the times of new year (sal tahveel) the difference between California time(western time zone) and Chicago (eastern time zone) is only 2 hours. This can't be correct, as it should be 3 hours. Which time is the right time???

Norooz Perooz

[Sherwin]

DON’T LET THE TRADITION DIE!

NOROOZ IS THE BIGGEST CELEBRATION IN PERSIAN HISTORY AND IT WILL REMAIN TO BE ON TOP.
WE WILL PROTECT OUR HERITAGE BY ALL MEANS!

IT IS MY FAVORITE HOLIDAY AND I LOVE NORUZ! ADE NOROUZ MOBARAK BE SHOMA.

[naderjan]

Here, here. ey Iran ey marze por gohar.......

I am going to start may sabzi(Gandom) in a couple of days.
BTW naderjan, in your post regarding the times of new year (sal tahveel) the difference between California time(western time zone) and Chicago (eastern time zone) is only 2 hours. This can't be correct, as it should be 3 hours. Which time is the right time???

Norooz Perooz

Kababee jan,
Thanks for the correction.I edited the message!
Ghorbanat! :ang:

[naderjan]

IT IS MY FAVORITE HOLIDAY AND I LOVE NORUZ! ADE NOROUZ MOBARAK BE SHOMA.
Sherwin shireeeee! :ang:

[Sherwin]

Sherwin shireeeee! :ang:
I love being here on IK because you and others teach me about my culture. I am proud to be Iranian and will not back down. If I am a shire you are the "head shire"

[RASHALDO]

we try to celebrate Nooroz every year by gathering around, but i think the best part of Nooroz is Charshambe Soori, especially when u live overseas :D :D !!! All the fires, all ur childhood memories coming back from iran, all the laughter and dancing, and no-one can forget sezdeh bedar !!!

i agree the tradition should never be forgotten !!! Thank u Naderjan !!!

[OSTAD POOYA]

Damet Garm Agha nader
There was so much infor that I was not able to read all of them but I will in time. Lets all celebrate worlds oldest tradition together.

[naderjan]

Rashaldo jan and Ostad jan,
Dame shoma ham garm!
With patriots such as yourself, it’s easy to keep this tradition going!
MERCI !

[Fazz]

Nader jan,
Thankyou so much for those articles.

Naw Ruz is so much more than just an old tradition that has lived on through the millenia, and i look forward to it every year.

[Sherwin]

No Ruz is not about getting new clothes and eating good food. IT IS ABOUT CELEBRATING A RICH IRANIAN TRADITION AND THE NEW YEAR! I do not care about gifts, clothes, or food on this day. It is a day to think about glorious Iran and be thankful and hopeful for the next year.

[naderjan]

:kobedeh: :Party: Nader jan,
Thankyou so much for those articles.

Naw Ruz is so much more than just an old tradition that has lived on through the millenia, and i look forward to it every year.
You are welcome Fazz jan!
Norooz rules! :Party: :kobedeh:

[RASHALDO]

Naderjaan, u might not be a fan of all this Andy, Sandy singers (i am just guessing ;)), but i thought u would like listening this song Andy has song:

http://www.andymusic.com/mp3s/tehran.mp3

[Afshin]

naderjan, we'll give Japan their EIDEE on the 25th

[Ali_Europe]

naderjan, we'll give Japan their EIDEE on the 25th
very well said Afshin jan! ;)


Agha Nader thanks for the great Text

[naderjan]

Rashaldo jan,
Thanks for the clip.I will listen to it shortly. As a matter of fact I like Sandy. I love some of the Bandari tunes he plays!

Afshin jan,
CHE EIDEE BEDIM ! LOL
I can’t wait!

Ali Europe jan,
You are welcome aziz!

[naderjan]

TALES OF Norooz: The Zarathushtrian New Year By Dr. Ali Akbar Jafarey
Calendar

Almost all of us know that the year is approximately 365.25 days long. All of us know that the seasons are regular and March means the coming of spring, June the beginning of summer, September the beginning of fall, and December means the coming of winter.

Many know that spring begins with the vernal equinox on about 21 March, summer with the summer solstice or about 22 June, fall with the autumnal equinox on about 23 September, and winter with the winter solstice on about 23 December.

Some know that the "tropical," solar, or seasonal year is of exactly 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes, and 45.5 seconds, or 365.2422454 days, that one day is added every four years to compensate for the loss of four 5 hr 48 min 45.5 sec, that each of the equinoxes and solstices have their precise time of beginning pre-calculated and published by many world observatories and other astronomical establishments, and that the astronomical and astrological worlds follow the tropical year.

Very few know that the official Iranian and Afghani calendars, both of Zarathushtrian origin, are tropical. Only a small number of us know that if the beginning of the year is considered from the precise start of vernal equinox, there shall never be any need to have a leap year at all -- the reason why the ancient Zarathushtrians did not have it!

The Iranians of old had a tropical calendar for many centuries. The downfall of the Sasanian Empire in 7th century disrupted the astronomical structure of the religion and the state. The 365-day year, followed by the majority of Zoroastrians in India and Pakistan with little astronomical knowledge, for the last eleven hundred years has advanced the calendar to where Norooz now occurs in the late summer. However, almost all Zarathushtis in Iran and a minority of Parsis of India and Pakistan follow the "Fasli" or seasonal calendar. It is an almost tropical calendar. It is corrected by observing the leap year.

Meanwhile, although Iranians, converted to Islam, observed and are observing the Muslim lunar calendar for religious purposes, the Iranian calendar was soon restored within a century for administrative and economical reasons.

Legend and History

Norooz in Persian means "New[-year]-day". It is the beginning of the year for the people of Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, and Tajikistan. Other Asian republics of the former Soviet Union are joining the group, and the latest report says that Turkey too has decided to declare Norooz a holiday. It is also celebrated as the new year by the people of the Iranian stock, particularly the Kurds, in the neighboring countries of Georgia, Iraq, Syria, and Turkey. It begins precisely with the beginning of spring on vernal equinox, on about March 21.

Tradition takes Norooz as far back as 15,000 years-before the last ice age. King Jamshid (Yima or Yama of the Indo-Iranian lore) symbolizes the transition of the Indo-Iranians from animal hunting to animal husbandry and a more settled life in human history. Seasons played a vital part then. Everything depended on the four seasons. After a sever winter, the beginning of spring was a great occasion with mother nature rising up in a green robe of colorful flowers and the cattle delivering their young. It was the dawn of abundance. Jamshid symbolizes the person/people who introduced Norooz celebrations.

Avestan and later scriptures show that Zarathushtra improved, as early as 1725 BCE, the old Indo-Iranian calendar. The prevailing calendar was luni-solar. The lunar year is of 354 days. An intercalation of one month after every thirty months kept the calendar almost in line with the seasons. Zarathushtra, the Founder of the Good Religion, himself an astronomer, founded an observatory and he reformed the calendar by introducing an eleven-day intercalary period to make it into a luni-solar year of 365 days, 5 hours and a fraction.

Later in the post-Gathic period, the year was made solely a solar year with each month of thirty days. An intercalation of five days was, and a further addition of one day every four years, was introduced to make the year 365 days, 5 hours, and a fraction. Still later, the calendar was further corrected to be a purely solar year of 365 days 5 hr 48 min 45.5 sec. The year began precisely with the vernal equinox every time and therefore, there was no particular need of adding one day every four years and there was no need of a leap year. This was [and still is] the best and most correct calendar produced that far.

Some 12 centuries later, in 487 BCE, Darius the Great of the Achaemenian dynasty (700 to 330 BCE) celebrated the No-Rooz at his newly built Persepolis in Iran. A recent research shows that it was a very special occasion. On that day, the first rays of the rising sun fell on the observatory in the great hall of audience at 06-30 a.m., an event that repeats itself once every 1400-1 years. It also happened to coincide with the Babylonian and Jewish new years. It was, therefore, a highly auspicious occasion for the ancient peoples. The Persepolis was the place, the Achaemenian king received, on Norooz, his peoples from all over the vast empire. The walls of the great royal palace depict the scenes of the celebrations.

We know the Parthians (250 BCE to 224 CE) celebrated the occasion but we do not know the details. It should have, more or less, followed the Achaemenian pattern. During the Sasanian time (224 to 652 CE), preparations began at least 25 days before Norooz. Twelve pillars of mud bricks, each dedicated to one month of the year, were erected in the royal court. Various vegetable seeds-wheat, barley, lentils, beans, and others-were sown on top of the pillars. They grew into luxurious greens by the New Year Day.

The great king held his public audience and the High Priest of the empire was the first to greet him. Government officials followed next. Each person offered a gift and received a present. The audience lasted for five days, each day for the people of a certain profession. Then on the sixth day, called the Greater Norooz, the king held his special audience. He received members of the Royal family and courtiers. Also a general amnesty was declared for convicts of minor crimes. The pillars were removed on the 16th day and the festival came to a close. The occasion was celebrated, on a lower level, by all peoples throughout the empire.

Since then, the peoples of the Iranian culture, whether Zartoshtis, Jews, Christians, Muslims, Baha'is, or others, have, under Arab, Turk, Mongol, and Iranian rulers, celebrated Norooz precisely at the time of vernal equinox, the first day of the first month, on about March 21.

Zartoshtis have six seasonal thanksgiving festivals, called "Gahanbars," to celebrate in a year. Vernal Equinox, called Hamaspathmaidhaya in Avesta, meaning "Middle of Equal Paths," or in simpler rendering "vernal equinox" is the top celebration. It was called in later days as "Nava Saredha" and still later Now Sal, both meaning "New Year". Today it is known as Norooz, New Day. It is the first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere.

The early Zarathushtrians counted their era, the Zarathushtrian Religious Era (ZRE), from Norooz (vernal equinox) of 1737 BCE. It may be noted that the credit of precisely calculating ZRE goes to an Iranian scholar, the late Zabih Behruz. Right now, we are going through the last month of 3739 ZRE. It was practically revived by the Zarathushtrian Assembly 12 years ago and has been happily adopted by the Zartoshtis in Iran and abroad, including in North America.

The Zarathushtrian era was abandoned when the Achaemenian monarchy was influenced by the prevailing custom in the Mesopotamia. The year started with the accession to the throne of every monarch. That is the reason why Zoroastrians-followers of the Fasli (solar), the Shahenshahi (majority of Parsis), the Qadimi (a minority of Parsis and Iranis of India and Pakistan) calendar-have the Yazgerdi era, the year King Yazdgerd ascended the throne in 632 CE. Both Shahenshahi and Qadimi reckoning have a year of 365 days only. They have advanced almost seven months by gaining one day every four years. It means that they gave up the leap year (avardâd sâlgâh) about 852 years ago-in about 1150 CE. All Iranian Zoroastrians follow the Fasli, the seasonal or the solar calendar.

When Iranian Muslims returned to the solar year, they reckoned with the Hejra year in solar terms. It will be 1381 Khorshidi (solar) this Norooz. The months are Zoroastrians-Farvardin, Ordibehesht, Khordad, Tir etc.-in Iran and Zodiac months in Afghanistan.

Norooz Table

Every house gets a thorough cleaning almost a month before. Wheat, barley, lentils, and other vegetable seeds are soaked to grow on china plates and round earthenware vessels some ten days in advance, so that the sprouts are three to four inches in height by Norooz.

Today, the ceremony has been simplified. A table is laid. It has a copy of the sacred book (the Gathas for Zarathushtrians), picture of Zarathushtra (or a Saint's picture by other creeds), a mirror, candles, incense burner, bowl of water with live gold fish, the plates and vessels with green sprouts, flowers, fruits, coins, bread, sugar cone, various grains, fresh, colorfully painted boiled eggs like "Easter eggs," and above all, seven articles with their names beginning in Persian with the letter "S" (seen) or "SH" (sheen). The usual things with "S" are vinegar (serkeh), sumac (somâgh), garlic (sîr), samanu (consistency of germinating wheat), apple (sîb), senjed (sorb), and herbs (sabzi). Those with an initial letter "SH" include wine (sharâ), sugar (shakar), syrup (shîreh), honey (shahd), candy (shîrîni), milk (shîr), and rice pudding (shîr-berenj). The seven articles are prominently exhibited in small bowls or plates on the table.

The table is laid with a white cloth. White represents spotless purity.

Let me repeat the brief play put up by young members of the Zarathushtrian Assembly to define the significance of the seven plates of "S" and seven plates of "SH." The youngsters, dressed in tune with what they represent, tell us by themselves their own significance. Those with "S" inform us:

First Plate: I am "Serkeh," the vinegar. I am sour but I am a good preservative. I add taste to the things you want to preserve and relish. I symbolize tasty preservation.

Second Plate: I am "Sumac," exotic in my own way, I make your favorite kabobs have a tangy taste, a taste you relish. I symbolize taste.

Third Plate: I am "Sir," garlic. Some may not like my aroma and others love it. I lower blood pressure. I pacify. I symbolize peace.

Fourth Plate: I am "Samanu," a sweetish paste, a kind of "halwa," made from germinating wheat. I symbolize the sprouting spring, the time for happy growth.

Fifth Plate: I am "Sib," apple. I symbolize the fruits of our world, both literally and allegorically.

Sixth Plate: I am "Senjed," the tasteless berry of the sorb tree. I am the fruit of a tree which provides shade in summer. I symbolize the shelter and security you need when you want a rest.

Seventh Plate: I am "Sabzi," fresh green herbs. I come from green fields. I symbolize prosperity.

The seven plates with "SH" tell us:

First Plate: I am "Sharab," the wine. I am the nectar. I symbolize health and happiness, of course, if taken in moderation! To your health!

Second Plate: I am "Shakar," sugar. I give your favorite foods their sweetness. I symbolize sweetness.

Third Plate: I am "Shir," milk, the first food one tastes in this world. I symbolize nourishing food.

Fourth Plate: I am "Shireh," syrup. I am the sap, the fluid essential for life, health and vigor. I symbolize vigorous health.

Fifth Plate: I "Shahd," honey. I am the sweet produce of the cooperative bees. I symbolize the sweet result of teamwork.

Sixth Plate: I am "Shirini," candy, loved by those who have a sweet tooth. I simply symbolize sweetness with no sign of bitterness.

Seventh Plate: I am "Shir-Berenj," rice pudding, and a tasty food. I symbolize food for taste and health.

The copy of the Gathas symbolizes guidance for a good life. The picture of Asho Zarathushtra reminds us of the author of the Gathas, the founder of the Good Religion and the Conveyer of the Divine Message. The mirror reflects our past and shows us our present so that we thoughtfully plan our future. The candles are light, warmth, and energy to lead a righteous life that would, in turn, radiate light, give warmth, and provide energy for others. The incense burner gives the fragrance we need to meditate, pray to God, and ask for help and guidance. The gold fish symbolizes a happy life, full of activity and movement. The plates of green sprouts represent creativity and productivity, and so do the colorfully painted eggs.

As you see, the whole table is beautifully laid. It symbolizes the Message and the Messenger, light, reflection, warmth, life, love, joy, production, prosperity, and nature. It is, in fact, a very elaborate thanksgiving table for all the good and beautiful things bestowed by God.

Family members, all dressed in their best, sit around the table and eagerly await the announcement of the exact time of vernal equinox over radio or television. The head of the family recites the Norooz prayers, and after the time is announced, each member kisses the other and wishes a Happy Norooz. Elders give gifts to younger members. Next the rounds of visits to neighbors, relatives, and friends begin. Each visit is reciprocated.

Zarathushtra's Birthday and Norooz festival are celebrated by Zarathushtis at social centers on about 6 Farvardin (26 March).

Singing and dancing is, more or less for the first two weeks, a daily routine. The festivity continues for 12 days, and on the 13th morning, the mass picnic to countryside begins. It is called "Sizdeh-Bedar," meaning "thirteen-in-the-outdoors." Cities and villages turn into ghost towns with almost all the inhabitants gone to enjoy the day in woods and mountains along stream and riversides. People sing, dance, and make merry. Girls of marriageable age tie wild grass tops into knots and make a wish that the following Norooz may find them married and carrying their bonny babies!

[Meehandoost]

Thanks so much Nader jaan for so much information, you are obviously already in No-Rooz spirit! Regarding "Haft Seen", I also like to add this which seems to be a common view by most Persians. Of note are a few things, for example an orange in a bowl of water representing Earth in space and be interesting to know how along our ancestors have known this! Also, the notion of beginning of life being in the spring, the poetic belief in mystical powers of the lotus tree to make people fall in love, and all the other symbols that show the richness of this wonderful culture and its wisdom. Speaking of which, I would add to the list a holy book or poetry books as a symbol of wisdom, and hyacinth plant (sonbol) which is a symbol of spring.
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Haft-Sinn
A few days prior to the New Year, a special cover is spread on to the Persian carpet or on a table in every Persian household. This ceremonial table is called cloth of seven dishes, (each one beginning with the Persian letter Sinn). The number seven has been sacred in Iran since the ancient times, and the seven dishes stand for the seven angelic heralds of life-rebirth, health, happiness, prosperity, joy, patience, and beauty.

The symbolic dishes consist of:

1-Sabzeh or sprouts, usually wheat or lentil representing rebirth.

2-Samanu is a pudding in which common wheat sprouts are transformed and given new life as a sweet, creamy pudding and represents the ultimate sophistication of Persian cooking.

3-Seeb means apple and represents health and beauty.

4-Senjed the sweet, dry fruit of the Lotus tree represents love. It has been said that when lotus tree is in full bloom, its fragrance and its fruit make people fall in love and become oblivious to all else.

5-Seer which is garlic in Persian represents medicine.

6-Somaq sumac berries represent the color of sunrise; with the appearance of the sun Good conquers Evil.

7-Serkeh or vinegar represents age and patience.


To reconfirm all hopes and wishes expressed by the traditional foods, other elements and symbols are also on the sofreh):

-A few coins placed on the sofreh represent prosperity and wealth;

-A basket of painted eggs represents fertility;

-A Seville orange floating in a bowl of water represents the earth floating in space;

-A goldfish in a bowl represents life and the end of astral year-picas;

-A flask of rose water known for its magical cleansing power is also included on the tablecloth;

-Nearby is a brazier for burning wild rue, a sacred herb whose smoldering fumes ward off evil spirits;

-A pot of flowering hyacinth or narcissus is also set on the sofreh.

-A mirror which represents the images and reflections of Creation as we celebrate anew the ancient Persian traditions and beliefs that creation took place on the first day of spring.

-On either side of the mirror are two candlesticks holding a flickering candle for each child in the family. The candles represent enlightenment and happiness; with the help of fire and light, we hope for enlightenment and happiness throughout the coming year.
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Source: Batmangli, Najimeh, New Food of Life, Mage Publishers, Washington DC, 1996, pg. 384.

[naderjan]

Meehandoost jan,
Thank you so much for adding the information.I opened this thread for younger generation to get to know the traditions of their motherland and unfortunately I have not had the response that I was looking for.
There is so much history behind our country and it's tradition that is beyound imagination!
Merci! :up:

[keivan_joon]

is march fourth and i can barely breath, in sub-zero temperatures!!!

[Foosball_Champ]

I am %100 sure that as long as we have IRANIAN's such as Nader Joon, this and other Iranian Traditions WILL NEVER DIE.

So proud to be an IRANIAN.

[naderjan]

I am %100 sure that as long as we have IRANIAN's such as Nader Joon, this and other Iranian Traditions WILL NEVER DIE.

So proud to be an IRANIAN.
Foosball_Champeteeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!! :irani:

[Meehandoost]

Nader Jaan,
I'm sure as we get closer to Noe-Rooz, more people will participate and share their views on this great ancient peaceful Persian tradition and celebrate it as they should. You are also right to say that it is the youth that must carry the torch and make true Persia and Persians known to the world. The seasoned generation has the wisdom to inspire them, and the youth have the energy to make a difference.