Iran (IMNA) - Nowruz is a combination of two words in Persian, ; ‘now’ means new and ‘ruz’ means day which literally means “new day”. Nowruz is the Persian New Year dating back to at least 6th century BCE, but still it is alive and celebrated every year among Persian and Central Asian communities-- in all countries which were part of the Persian Empire.
Nowruz is a day of vernal equinox which marks the Sun’s crossing of the Equator and the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. At this time of the year, night and day are of equal length. In this sense, Nowruz is a messenger of peace and friendship for all human beings; regardless of race, religion and nationality.
Moreover, Nowruz has been considered as one of the holiest days and rites of the ancient Zoroastrian calendar. Actually, this annual event honours the shared heritage of the Silk Roads. According to Zoroastrianism, Nowruz symbolises the triumph of good over evil, life over death and joy over sorrow.
The beginning of spring as the rebirth of nature would be reminiscent of life renewal. The vernal equinox in Nowruz, when the length of night and day is equal, is a matter of life as well. Indeed, life is made up of opposite forces and concepts-- of night and day, darkness and light, cold and heat, and winter and spring. Blessed is the one who is aware of these seemingly opposites but complementary moments of life.
In this respect, Hafez-e Shirazi, one of the most prominent Persian poet, masterfully describes spring and life:
In the spring, open your heart to joyous infusions
Like flowers open up, or stay in muddy collusions.
I cannot tell you to befriend this, or drink that
Wit and wisdom display your own solutions.
Strings of the harp sing out the same advice
When worthy, you will reach your conclusions.
Each blade of grass speaks of its life's tale
Alas if self-absorbed you're free from inclusions.
Worry not, else you will lose your precious now
If stuck in day's and night's revolutions.
Though fears are strewn upon the path of Love
Pass easy if free from destination's confusions.
O Hafiz, if fortune upon you smiles
Become prey to that Witness of illusions.
Wishing you a happy New Year and prosperity in the year to come.
May this new year bring you peace, love and success.
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