Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Happy Persian New Year!

Today is the first day of spring. Which also means it's Persian New Year! *confetti*

Here are some quick, fun facts about Norooz.

1. Norooz literally means new day. It falls on the spring equinox every year which means that its exact date and time changes by a little every year. For example, this year, it was this morning at 1:14 AM EDT.

2. One of the traditional things to do at Norooz is set the table with certain symbolic things. These are known as the "Seven Ss"(Haft-seen). They symbolize things like life, love, patience and good fortune.

3. Norooz lasts 13 days and on the last day, everyone goes on a picnic. In Iran, that is a 13-day holiday...however, it is also the only work holiday throughout the year (and the work week is 6 days long).

4. The last Wednesday before the new year is something called Chaharshanbeh Suri. This involves--not dressing up a celebrity toddler in designer clothes--but leaping over a giant bonfire and is about as scary as it sounds. (For me...most people love it).

5. It is now the year 1391. You can bet I'll be putting on some sweet 90s music on my iPod today. Ace of Base and Collective Soul, here I come.

Eidetan Mobarak! (That means Happy New Year. You can say it to anyone you come across today with dark hair and sculpted eyebrows.)
Posted by Sarvenaz Tash at 8:58 AM
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9 comments:

  1. Zoraida CordovaMarch 20, 2012 at 9:08 AM

    dark hair and sculpted eyebrows? are you sicking NY on me today?

    Mubarak eid!

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    1. Sarvenaz TashMarch 20, 2012 at 9:12 AM

      I figure if you say it to enough people, someone in there will actually be Persian. But, hey, I get spoken to in Spanish once a week so we might be even. :-)

      Delete
  2. Suzanne LuceroMarch 20, 2012 at 9:12 AM

    EIDETAN MOBARAK SARVENAZ! And happy spring equinox to everyone else. ;-)

    Everything is damp and foggy around here this morning, but in about an hour I'm heading outside to vanquish the poison ivy that's been creeping toward my little garden since last summer. Personally, I'd love to take 13 days off spring gardening but I don't think Mother Nature would halt the plant growth just for the wonderful Persian New Year.

    Have a wonderful 1391, Sarv.

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    Replies
    1. Sarvenaz TashMarch 20, 2012 at 9:14 AM

      Thanks, Suzanne! I am sending fog-vanquishing vibes your way.

      Delete
  3. BillyMarch 20, 2012 at 9:12 AM

    You had me at confetti. And then again at jumping over bonfires. Anyone know where I can find a good bonfire to jump over in Brooklyn?

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  4. Brandy ColbertMarch 20, 2012 at 2:50 PM

    Happy New Year, Sarvenaz! I learned all kinds of fascinating things from this post.

    And please add some Jamiroquai to your 90s playlist. :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. BryanMarch 20, 2012 at 5:24 PM

    I sure hope you don't forget to listen to the Gin Blossoms today -- make sure you get all three of their songs!

    Here is me celebrating: http://twitpic.com/2qqsbx

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  6. Sarah SkiltonMarch 20, 2012 at 11:08 PM

    Oooh, fun *and* informative. And don't forget some '90s grunge music.

    ReplyDelete
  7. erinjadeMarch 21, 2012 at 10:40 AM

    Happy New Year! what a fun and educational post. :D

    ReplyDelete

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