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Norooz By
Khodadad Kaviani Norooz is one of the
most beautiful and joyous cultural traditions of all times and it is as
old as time! The essence of Norooz is about the celebration of progressive
creationism, happiness, love and harmony. According to ancient Iranian
beliefs, Ahuraa-Mazdaa (The Great Life-Giving Wise One) created the
world in six cycles. In
Persian, we refer to them as “shesh gahanbar.”
These cycles begin in mid spring on the “Day of Sun” in the
month of Ardibehesht and it ends on the last day of Esfand Month.
During these six cosmic cycles, creation takes shape.
Light and warmth are needed for growth and it’s not surprising
to see that “sun” becomes the symbol of this cosmic energy and the
Creator. First, sky and galaxies
are created followed by water, earth, trees and plants, animals, and
finally humans. The last cycle is the most important one since humans are
created along with “The Energy of Uplifting Progress,” known as
“Fravahr” or “Faravahar.” This unique blessing and energy is
given to all humans so that each person may exercise his or her free
will in making a better world for all.
Faravahar remains pure and holy all throughout a person’s life
and after death of the individual, It returns to the Creator. During Norooz, Faravahr
of our ancestors return to earth to visit their loved ones. In honor of
their arrival, people clean their homes and keep a fire alive in the
house or on rooftops. It is customary to have a special table of offering (Haft
Seen) prepared for them and have certain items like a mirror, rose
water, flowers, sweets, candles, newly sprouted greenery, and other
items present. Once the New
Year begins and family members exchange special greetings and gifts,
each person looks into the mirror and is sprinkled with some rose water.
By looking into the mirror, one wishes that the mirror of their heart be
as bright and clear as the mirror they are looking into and wash away
all their sorrows and any grudges that they may carry against people.
It’s an opportunity to renew friendships and forgive and
forget. It’s time to be
in a good mood and be merry! Haft Seen Table (seven
things that begin with the letter “S”) with its beautiful white
cloth becomes the focal point of a family gathering.
Sweets symbolize feast and sweetness of life and a pleasant
destiny. Wheat (Samanoo)
becomes a symbol for birth and strength.
Green and Greenery (Sabzeh va Sabzi) represent abundance of
resources and good health as well as unity of a people. Golden coins (Sekkeh
zar) make hearts happy and extend youth!
Candles represent truth and there is a lit candle for each family
member. Candles are to burn
freely and completely. It’s
not a good omen to blow a candle out.
Garlic (Seer) is famous for repelling any disease and apple (Seeb)
stands for good health. Water and orange (Aab va naarenj) symbolize our
planet in space and pomegranate (Anaar) is an appropriate symbol of
plenty since it has many seeds. Flowers
(Gol-e Beedmeshk) symbolize the of end of winter and beginning of
spring; plus (Gol-e Sonbol) symbol of spring and a very small branch of
cypress are also present at this unique table of offering.
Why number seven? The
six Holy Immortals (shesh Amshaaspandaan) plus AhooraaMazdaa make seven!
These Holy Immortals are Bahman (Good Thoughts), Ardibehesht (Purest
Truth and Piety), Shahrivar (Strong Leadership, Self Control),
Sepandarmez (Humbleness and love), Khordaad (Health & Maturity) and
Amordaad (Immortal) are all attributes of the Creator. We also see this
number appear in other situations such as seven days of the week, seven
seas, seven planets, etc… Norooz signifies the
culmination of the creation cycle and in particular, the creation of
Faravahar. This is so significant that the name of the first month in
the Iranian calendar has the same meaning as Fravahr.
This explains why Norooz begins with “Rooz-e Oormezd, Maah-e
Farvadin” (Day of The Great Life-Giving Wise One” and the month of
the “Energy of Uplifting Progress.”
It is in Norooz that we are reminded to live up to our full
potential, enjoy life and play an active part in fulfilling our civic
duties. Giving to charity
and helping those in need are best ways that people can give thanks for
the many blessings of AhuraaMazdaa. The legend of King
Jamsheed as told by Ferdowsi in the Book of Kings (Shaahnaameh) shows
the start of the Norooz tradition, and illustrates the notion of civic
virtue and what happens when it’s absent from a society.
During his reign, the country was prosperous and at peace.
In Norooz when day equals night, Jamsheed sat on a beautifully
decorated golden throne and was taken to the heavens by eagles that were
positioned on the four corners of his throne.
As the eagles soared to reach the meat that was at the end of
long spears, his golden throne was lifted into the sky!
He also gave many gifts to people and it was to be a day of rest
for everyone. Unfortunately,
his ego got the better of him and Jamsheed became arrogant and
self-praising. The Energy of Uplifting Progress left him and the country sank
into a period of drought and misery.
Eventually, people turned against him and he lost his legitimacy
to rule. Norooz has come to
symbolize many things like virtue, justice, rebirth, newness, awakening
of the soul and body, and cleanliness.
Norooz, means “New Day” and with each breath, we get a fresh
chance to experience life. May
the Blessings of Norooz be with you! To listen to the Norooz
song, visit my web page at www.khodi.com
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