Editorial:
Happy Nowruz
Today marks the first day of Spring and the beginning of the Iranian New Year called Nowruz, meaning new day, which has been celebrated by Iranians for more than 3000 years.
By: Sadegh Kharrazi
Today marks the first day of Spring and the beginning of the Iranian New Year called Nowruz, meaning new day, which has been celebrated by Iranians for more than 3000 years. The celebration is also observed by more than 300 million people in other parts of the globe particularly in the Balkans, the Black Sea Basin, the Caucasus, the Central Asia and the Middle East.
Nowruz is the season for the renewal of life. As the nature rebirths and turns a new page in its life, people across all walks of life in Iran and all places where this celebration takes place renew their best wishes for the well being of their family and friends to live in peace and tranquility. It is a day for cleansing. Spring cleaning of the house, wearing new clothes and visiting family members, friends and neighbors starting with elders have been the tradition for many years. But, most importantly self-cleansing and removing the heart from all bad feelings and hatred towards others has been the important message of this esteemed tradition, a message of peace, tolerance and coexistence.
Nowruz has not only been celebrated globally, but it has also been recognized by the international community. In 2009, Nowruz was added to UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible cultural Heritage of Humanity. Furthermore, the Sixty-fourth Session of the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring 21 March as the International Day of Nowruz. It recognized Nowruz as the embodiment of the unity of cultural heritage and centuries-long traditions which plays a significant role in strengthening the ties among peoples based on mutual respect and the ideals of peace.
May this new season brings peace, security and justice to all. Happy Nowruz and Eid Mobarak.
Today marks the first day of Spring and the beginning of the Iranian New Year called Nowruz, meaning new day, which has been celebrated by Iranians for more than 3000 years. The celebration is also observed by more than 300 million people in other parts of the globe particularly in the Balkans, the Black Sea Basin, the Caucasus, the Central Asia and the Middle East.
Nowruz is the season for the renewal of life. As the nature rebirths and turns a new page in its life, people across all walks of life in Iran and all places where this celebration takes place renew their best wishes for the well being of their family and friends to live in peace and tranquility. It is a day for cleansing. Spring cleaning of the house, wearing new clothes and visiting family members, friends and neighbors starting with elders have been the tradition for many years. But, most importantly self-cleansing and removing the heart from all bad feelings and hatred towards others has been the important message of this esteemed tradition, a message of peace, tolerance and coexistence.
Nowruz has not only been celebrated globally, but it has also been recognized by the international community. In 2009, Nowruz was added to UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible cultural Heritage of Humanity. Furthermore, the Sixty-fourth Session of the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring 21 March as the International Day of Nowruz. It recognized Nowruz as the embodiment of the unity of cultural heritage and centuries-long traditions which plays a significant role in strengthening the ties among peoples based on mutual respect and the ideals of peace.
May this new season brings peace, security and justice to all. Happy Nowruz and Eid Mobarak.