03/22/2024
Happy Norouz everyone 🎉 🎊💝
“This year Navroz was celebrated on March 19th or 20, depending on what part of the world you are on different time zones as well but always on spring equinox. Nevertheless, March 21st is acknowledged by the United Nations as the International Day of Nowruz, highlighting its worldwide recognition and cultural importance.
Navroz dates back to the Achaemenid Empire, the first Persian Empire, and has evolved through the ages. It is deeply intertwined with the history of Iran and the broader region, reflecting the cultural practices and traditions of various communities. Navroz is a cultural celebration as well as a spiritual event, where people reflect on the past year and express hope for the future.
Central to Navroz celebrations is the Haft-sīn table, which includes seven items starting with the letter ‘S’ in the Persian alphabet. These items symbolize nature’s renewal and human virtues. Families gather around this spread, which includes items like sprouted wheatgrass for rebirth, vinegar for patience, apples for beauty, and garlic for medicine. The preparation for Navroz begins weeks in advance, with a thorough house cleaning, known as ‘khooneh tekouni’, to welcome the new year. The exchanging of presents, dances and leaping over bonfires also make up a significant portion of the festivities.
Navroz transcends national and religious boundaries, celebrated by diverse communities across the globe. In 2010, the United Nations General Assembly recognized March 21st as International Nowruz Day, highlighting its importance as a cultural heritage. It is celebrated across Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, the Kurdistan Region, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, India, and Pakistan.
Navroz is a time for introspection, forgiveness, and setting intentions for the new year. It is a period when people visit their elders, pay respects to deceased relatives, and mend strained relationships. The festival concludes with Sizdah Bedar, a day spent outdoors, which is believed to ward off bad luck and ensure the vitality of the coming year.”