|
|
Norooz Customs
In
harmony with the rebirth of nature, the Iranian New Year
Celebration, or NOROOZ, always begins on the first day
of spring. Norooz ceremonies are symbolic
representations of two ancient concepts - the End and
the Rebirth; or Good and Evil. A few weeks before the
New Year, Iranians clean and rearrange their homes. They
make new clothes, bake pastries and germinate seeds as
sign of renewal.
Haji Firooz
is a character who is the traditional herald of the
Norooz. Haji Firooz disguise themselves with makeup and
wear brightly colored outfits of satin. Haji Firuz sing
and dance and parade as a carnival through the streets
with tambourines, kettledrums, and trumpets to spread
good cheer and the news of the coming new year Norooz.
Chahar Shanbeh Soori
happens on the last Tuesday evening of the year. Every
family gathers several piles of wood or brush in the
streets or parks to be lit shortly after the sunset.
Then all the family members line up and take turns
jumping over the burning fire and singing “sorkheeyeh
toe az man, Zardeeyeh man az toe’. “I give my paleness
to the fire and take fire red healthy color”. Yellow or
paleness symbolizes the sickness and pain and red
symbolizes heath. Fireworks can be heard throughout the
night.
Haft Seen
Is a spread with seven items which each symbolizes a
wish or theme. All seven items in this ceremonial table
starts with the Persian letter Seen or S in English. The
Haft Seen spread is usually put out a week before the
New Year, which sets the mood for celebration. The seven
items are Sabzeh (grown wheat or lentil) for rebirth,
Samanu (flour and sugar) for sweetness of life, Sekeh
(coin ) for prosperity and wealth, Senjed ( dried fruit
of Lotus tree) for love, Seer (garlic) for health, Somaq
( sumac berries) for warmth and Serkeh ( vinegar) for
patience. Also there other items on the Norooz spread
such as painted eggs, which represent fertility, a
mirror that represents image and reflection of life, and
a goldfish in a bowl that represents life.
Seezdah Bedar
is the 13th day of Norooz and Persians to overcome the
bad luck they spend the entire day out of the house with
families and friends in the parks having a picnic. They
sing and play games and celebrate a happy and healthy
holiday season and end the holiday season on a positive
note. They also leave their Sabzeh (grown wheat) on the
nearby water streams. They also tie grasses together for
wishing good luck in the new year.
|
|
