6372
Iranian Federalism (Shahanshahi)
2567 Kooroshi (Cyrus the Great - Persian Empire)
1387
Moaviehyee (40 years after Arab invasion)
Norooz or
new day, is wonderful Iranian national celebration that reflects the rich cultural heritage of
Iran. Norooz is the most
cherished of all the Iranian festivals and has been celebrated for more than 4000
years. Norooz is ancient Iranian celebration of spring equinox and represents
ancient Iranians' impressive understanding of
science and astronomy
True Iranians decorate their family
Norooz table with "Seven Sheen", ancient Iranian ceremonial Norooz
items before Arab invasion:
1- Shokoofeh (flower blossom), 2- Sheer (milk), 3- Sheerini
(sweets), 4-Sham (candle), 5- Shahnameh (Epic of Kings), 6- Sharub (wine),
7- Shahdaneh
(ancient Iranian medicine)
Epic of Norooz
The epic takes Norooz back to King Jamshid as said in Shahnameh
of Ferdowsi: King Jamshid coined Norooz as a "new day" after he
eliminated ignorance, poverty, injustice more that 4,000 years ago and
celebration of Norooz became an annual event. It is said that King Jamshid and
Kiaani Dynasty’s rule, which lasted for several hundred years was a glorious
time of prosperity and happiness for ancient Iran and Iranians. Norooz did not
end with Jamshid’s passing, but rather was strengthened through the centuries
to become the all encompassing and glorious celebration of rebirth and renewal
that it is today
During the Sassanian 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. 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. On the
sixth day, called the Greater Norooz the King held audience. 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.
Norooz ideological roots
Norooz
or new day, is ancient Iranian celebration of spring equinox. It is the most
cherished of all the Iranian festivals and is celebrated by all. Norooz has
been celebrated for more than 4000 years. The oldest archaeological record for
Norooz celebration comes from the Achaemenian (Hakhamaneshi) period over 2,500
years ago. 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.
Modern Iranians celebrate the
New Year for 13 days. It is customary for all to take a bath and cleanse
themselves thoroughly before Norooz. This is a purification rite but has lost
its meaning in modern times. New garments are worn to emphasize freshness.
This is very important since Norooz is a feast of hope and renewal. Families
stay home and wait for the start of the New Year which starts at the exact
time of the spring equinox-- called Sal Tahvil -- between the 19th and 21st of
March. The first few minutes are spent around an elaborately prepared spread
known as the Haft Sheen. A major part
of New Year rituals is setting the Haft Sheen table with seven specific items.
All seven items start with the letter "Sh". 1-
Shokoofeh (flower blossom), 2- Sheer (milk), 3-
Sheerini (sweets), 4- Sham (candle), 5- Shahnameh
(Epic of Kings), 6- Sharub (wine), 7- Shahdaneh (ancient
Iranian medicine)
Once the New Year is
announced (on the radio or TV) younger members of the family will pay respect
to elders by wishing them a merry New Year. Relatives kiss and hug and
presents (traditionally cash or coins) are exchanged. Sweets are offered to
all to symbolically sweeten their lives for the rest of the year. A small
mirror is passed around, rose water is sprinkled into the air and Espand a
popular incense is burnt, to keep the evil eye away.
The first few days are spent
visiting older members of the family, relatives and friends. Children receive
presents and sweets and special meals are consumed. Traditionally on the night
before the New Year, most Iranians will have Sabzi Polo Mahi, a special dish
of rice cooked with fresh herbs and served with smoked and freshly fried fish.
Koukou Sabzi, a mixture of fresh herbs with eggs fried or baked, is also
served. The next day rice and noodles (Reshteh Polo) is served. Regional
variations exist and very colorful feasts are prepared.
Wheat or lentil representing
new growth is grown in a flat dish a few days before the New Year and is
called Sabzeh (green shoots). Decorated with colorful ribbons, it is kept
until Sizdah beh dar, the 13th day of the New Year, and then disposed
outdoors. A few live gold fish are placed in a fish bowl. In the old days they
would be returned to the riverbanks, but today most people will keep them.
Mirrors are placed on the spread with lit candles as a symbol of fire.
For the ancient Iranians,
Norooz was a celebration of life. They felt forces of nature, that were
completely beyond their control, had a dominant effect on their lives. They
formed a union with these forces to protect themselves. Through this union
they created a balance and maintained cosmic order.
For modern Iranians, Norooz
is a feast of renewal and freshness; a time to visit relatives, friends and
pay respect to the older members of the family. A thorough house cleaning
purifies the physical space, merrymaking creates comfort, and happiness
becomes a celebration in itself. This is reminiscent of ancient traditions
when all forces of Joy were regarded as holy. New Year festivities will go on
until the 13th day, known as Sizdah beh dar, which literally means
getting rid of the omen of the 13th day.
The 13th day is spent mostly
outdoors. People will leave their homes to go to the parks or local plains for
a festive picnic. It is a must to spend Sizdah beh dar in nature.
Iranians today regard 13th day as a bad omen and believe that by going into
the fields and parks they avoid misfortunes. This notion is contrary to
ancient Iranians doctrine where all days were regarded as sacred. However,
according to popular belief, the 13th day of the month as a day with
unfortunate consequences, therefore Iranians could have adopted this concept
in Sizdah beh-dar.
All kinds of food and
delicacies are prepared with tea, drinks, fruits, bread, cheese and fresh
herbs. The occasion is a communal one and all close relatives and friends will
participate. Wheat or barley shoots (Sabzeh) grown especially for the New Year
are discarded in nature on this day. The picnic ends with the setting of the
sun. The occasion has no religious significance and is celebrated by all. With
the more modern Iranians there is music and dancing while most people will
play games and sports. It is also believed that unwed girls can wish for a
husband by going into the fields and tying a knot between green shoots,
symbolizing a marital bond.
Noorozetan
Pirooz - Har Roozetan Norooz
Iranian
History, Culture and Festivals inspire the World!
May this new year bring freedom, peace and pride back
to Iran
It is time to liberate
IRANIAN’s history, culture and
language
