There is no mention of it in Avesta - the holy book of Zoroastrians. Undoubtedly, the Nowruz celebrations are an ancient, national Iranian custom, but details of it prior to the Achaemenid era are unknown. Possibly, in the first five days, the festivities were of a public and national nature, while during the rest of the month it assumed a private and royal character. The festival, according to some documents, was observed until the fifth of Farvardin, and then the special celebrations followed until the end of the month. In royal courts, the festivities continued for one month. In ancient times the feast started on the first day of Farvardin (March 21) but it is unclear how long it did last. Farvardegan was performed at the end of the year and was apparently a mourning ceremony and not a celebration welcoming the rebirth of nature. The Iranian tradition of visiting cemeteries on the last Thursday of the year may have originated from this belief.Īccording to lexicographer Mirza Ali Akbar Dehkhoda, ancient Iranians celebrated a feast called Farvardegan (Farvardyan) that lasted 10 days. Thus, they honour the 10-day period to appease the spirits of their deceased ancestors. Some consider it a national festival, while others regard it as a religious ritual.Īccording to Zoroastrians, the month of Farvardin (the first month of the Iranian solar calendar) refers to Faravashis, or spirits, which return to the material world during the last 10 days of the year. Some historians believe that natural changes in weathers gave rise to the festivities. It is not exactly known when and how the festival of Nowruz emerged. Tradition takes Nowruz as far back as 15 000 years - before the last ice age. ![]() It begins precisely with the beginning of spring on vernal equinox, on or about March 21. Nowruz (Norouz) in Persian means “New day”. Nowruz ceremonies are symbolic representations of two ancient concepts – the end and rebirth. In harmony with rebirth of nature, the Persian New Year Celebration, or Nowruz always begins on the first day of spring, March 21th of each year. Renewed hope anticipates new achievements. Spring has arrived and the previous year with all its events, good or bad, has passed. Nowruz is a relic of ancient times, a memory of old tales and epics, a celebration of rebirth and rejuvenation. This spirit has made Nowruz more than just a New Year, but some celebration over the course of history. It proves how a nation with its irreversible determination to endure, and even flourish, through periods of devastation, political chaos, hardship and oppression.įor centuries, Persians have applied the Nowruz spirit to every dark challenge that has come their way. ![]() It is a strong testimony to the Iranian rich civilisation, national characteristics and history. Nowruz is the message of peace and friendship by the Iranians for the whole world. Nowruz is the spiritual heritage of humankind and the Iranians will be most delighted if the world nations enjoy this heritage and take advantage of it. Nowruz is an opportunity for rethinking, restarting and remaking. Nowruz is a messenger of peace, friendship, benevolence for humankind and admiration for nature, not only for Iranians, but for several nations and tribes who adorn this ancient festivity and celebrate it. ![]() Nowruz is one of the oldest and most cherished festivities celebrated for at least 3 000 years. Originating in Iran’s ancient history, Nowruz is celebrated by more than 300 million people worldwide on March 21, the day of the spring Equinox, which marks the sun’s crossing of the Equator and the start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. Cultural Centre of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Zimbabwe
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