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Nowruz 2023

"Persian New year"

By Lingeshwaran JPublished about a year ago 3 min read
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Nowruz - "new day"

Nowruz, which means "new day" in Persian, is a festival observed by millions of people worldwide, most notably in Iran, Afghanistan, and portions of Central Asia. The event, which is celebrated on the first day of the vernal equinox, which typically falls on March 20 or 21, heralds the start of the new year and the arrival of spring.

Nowruz's origins can be attributed to the pre-Islamic religion known as Zoroastrianism, which was previously very popular in the area. Muslims later accepted the holiday, which is currently observed by individuals of all ages and backgrounds.

Families start cleaning their homes and purchasing new clothing and decorations weeks in ahead of Nowruz. People congregate to commemorate the holiday with a traditional dinner called "Haft-Seen" on the eve of it. Seven symbolic foods that each begin with the Persian letter "sin" and stand for different facets of life make up the supper. Typically, these goods include apples (which stand for health), garlic (which deters evil), and coins (wealth).

Families take part in outdoor activities like picnics and kite flying in addition to the Haft-Seen dinner and bonfires. Many people use the holiday as an opportunity to make resolutions for the upcoming year because it is a time for regeneration and rejuvenation.

Nowruz is also a time for giving and doing good deeds. During the holiday season, it is usual in Iran to visit friends and relatives and to provide gifts to those in need. Also, a lot of people give money to charities and other groups that support the less fortunate.

The international holiday of Nowruz has been recognised by the UN, and festivities are celebrated in numerous places all over the world. The occasion has recently served as a stage for social and political agitation. For instance, Iranian women took advantage of the occasion in 2019 to voice their opposition to the country's rules banning them from athletic competitions.

The role of nature in the ceremonies is one of Nowruz's distinguishing features. The rites and traditions linked with the celebration are based on the idea that spring is a season of rebirth and growth. As an illustration, it is traditional to plant seeds or young plants on Nowruz to signify the beginning of a new cycle of regrowth and rejuvenation.

The focus on family and community during Nowruz is another significant feature. Families get together during the holiday to visit friends and family, eat meals, and exchange gifts. Also, it is a moment for individuals to appreciate their communities variety and re-connect with their cultural history.

In Iran, where the event is a national holiday, one of the most notable Nowruz ceremonies takes place. A sizable event with parades, music, and dancing is held in Tehran. Many families use the vacation as an opportunity to travel and visit other cities and villages in Iran in addition to the activities.

The "13th outside" custom known as "sizdah bedar" is another well-liked Nowruz custom. People often spend the day outside, taking in the scenery and picnicking with loved ones on the thirteenth day of the new year. This custom is thought to have originated in ancient Persia, where it was thought that staying indoors for too long in the first few days of the new year could bring bad luck.

Beyond these traditions, Nowruz holds enormous value and importance for many individuals in the nations where it is observed. The event serves as a powerful link for Iranians to their rich cultural history and distant past.

Overall, Nowruz is a colourful and joyful celebration of fresh starts and the coming of spring. It's a time for families and communities to get together, to think back on the previous year, and to look forward to the coming year with hope and optimism.

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About the Creator

Lingeshwaran J

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