Mubarak Nowrooz 1390 for Iranian and Afghan fellow

Dear Friends, Greetings and Mubarak NOWROOZ 1390 for my Iranian and Afghani friends.

Today is the first day of Iranian and Afghani new year. There following are some information about the NOWROOZ - New Day for all who interested to know.. Tasyakur Ayoub.. to share!

Nowrooz Customs

In harmony with the rebirth of nature, the Iranian New Year Celebration, or NOROOZ, always begins on the first day of spring.

Nowrooz ceremonies are symbolic representations of two ancient concepts - the End and the Rebirth; or Good and Evil.

More information

A few weeks before the New Year, Iranians

clean and rearrange their homes,

They make new clothes,

and germinate seeds as sign of renewal.

Haft Seen (7 s)

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 Holy Quran , Hafez (Persian lyric poet) poems book, painted eggs, which represent fertility, a mirror that represents image and reflection of life, goldfish in a bowl that represents life, Sonbol - Hyacinth (plant) and lit candles that represent enlightenment and happiness.

At the time of changing the year, Reading the specific prayer of Norooz which is as follow:

« يا مقلب القلوب و الابصار، يا مدبر اليل و النهار، يا محول الحول و الاحوال، حول حالنا الي احسن الحال

Some of the activities during Norooz are:

Family reunion

Giving presents

Visiting neighbors and friends

And, celebrating by having a picnic on the 13th day of Spring.