The Vernal equinox is started right now and we are exactly at the first of spring. This fabulous and delightful day is called “Nowruz” (having various local and international pronunciations) in Persian culture, so I have a basket full of happy congratulations to present you within the best wishes at the very beginning of New Year.
It was about 7030 years ago that Iranians decided to call the coronation day of “Jamshid the King” as their New Year’s origin so the 1st of Farvardin (March 21st) has been officially registered as the starting point of Persian New Year that is called “Nowruz” and means “New day” etymologically.
Jamshid was a semi-mythological king that Master Ferdowsi has described him, his personality, his empire of kingdom and his efforts in Shahnameh.
Jamshid (Yima in Avestan language) was the first Persian king that ordered citizens in 5 ranks; businesspeople, slaves, farmers, religious clerics and militants. He also helped the industry to improve, prepared the preliminaries for common people to educate and made lots of journeys to all around the Great Persia in order to talk with different groups of people and become acquainted with their problems and difficulties of life.
It is told that his travels even took long from the coasts of Caspian Sea to the borderlines of Persian Gulf. However, Jamshid was a bright-minded and smart person who was strongly respected by all of the people because of his peaceful and fair opinions. Furthermore, the “Persepolis” (Persian: Takht-e-Jamshid) is named in the honor of his efforts and activities for enhancing the Persian culture, civilization and religious beliefs on that time.
It is quoted of Shahnameh that “one day after Jamshid completed his endeavors and done his programs for the development of Iran in the last years of Kingdom, Iranian people crowded from all over the country in Persepolis (Ceremonial Palace of Achaemenidan dynasty which was also the official residency place of Jamshid) to express their appreciation for Jamshid’s cultural and constructional efforts. They held a thanksgiving festival for Jamshid that was coincided with the first day of spring. Later, this splendid day has been named as Nowruz and became the Persian New Year festival.”
Nowruz is also considered as a religious holy day in Islamic culture as most of Shia Imams pointed about Nowruz out in their quotes and speeches and called it as a valuable day for all. In addition Iranians always place the Holy Quran on their “Haft Sin table” in order to bless their new year with divine assists from the Majesty God.
“Haft Sin” table is the most distinguished symbol of Nowruz customs in Persian culture. It is often settled a few hours before the “new year transition’s moment” and will remain a few days later.
Traditionally, this table is consisted of some 7 blessed and holy natural items, most of them edible. The names of these items are all started with “S” sound and any of them refers to one aspect of theological powers. For example, Senjed is one of the important parts in Haft Sin table; it is the dried fruit of the oleaster tree and symbolizes love and peace. Samanu; a sweet pudding made from wheat germ is also a very popular part of Haft Sin table. It resembles affluence and success. Sekke (Coins) as the symbol of wealth and happiness, Serke (Vinegar) as the symbol of patience, Seir (Garlic) as the symbol of physical and mental health, Sib (apple) as the symbol of beauty and freshness, Sabzeh (wheat, barley or lentil sprouts growing in a dish) as the symbol of Spring and rebirth besides of Mirror, candles, a bowl of Goldfish and decorated eggs are the other predominant elements on Haft Sin table.
The moment when the Sun is positioned directly over the Earth’s equator and, by extension, the apparent position of the Sun at that moment is called Solstice moment and known as the “New year transition’s moment”.
Passing this moment, Iranians start to celebrate and make cheer, eating from the edibles of Haft Sin table and randomly open a page of Holy Quran and read its instructions for starting a successful upcoming year.
Nowruz is celebrated in 16 Muslim countries that formerly were parts of Ancient Persia and speaking Persian is still common there; Iran, Afghanistan, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Albania, Armenia, Lebanon, Iraq, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Syria and India.
Starting Nowruz, young rural girls wear their colorful folklore skirts and participate in wedding ceremonies, traditional dance of Persian tribes and ethnic shows, giving presents and gifts to family members and guests.
The pictures represnet Persian customs of Nowruz, Haft-Sin table, Persian Muslim rural dancing girls and the reflection of spring into the hearts of happy people!
Here you can find more pictures on the topic; Nowruz and its rituals:
(Palestinian Muslim girls and boys, wearing Hijab and performing at a Nowruz festival based in their country)
(Hungarian girls, showing a group traditional dance for the new Persian Year)
(a devout Muslim Persian girl, honoring Nowruz by Eastern Dance)
(Young Muslim girl wearing oriental attire, celebrates Spring in Azerbaijan Nowruz Dance festival)
(Diana, a Syrian Muslim Shia girl, performing artistic Nowruz dance)
PS: Bush shows the first signs of respecting Persian - Islamic culture: