Zarif: World to learn from peaceful culture of Norouz
indicates our ancestors’ intelligent thought and creativity that Norouz coincides with the rebirth of nature.
In fact, our forefathers recognized nature’s rebirth as a very pleasant occurrence, and thus made great efforts to expand such a felicitous occasion to the lives of people in the society. This is rarely seen in other countries; Norouz is the best manifestation of nature’s rebirth.
This ancient event received UNESCO’S attention and finally in recognition of the importance of this ancient rite, Norouz was inscribed on UNESCO’S Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2009 and 2016, respectively.
UNESCO registered Norouz celebrations as shared practices of 12 countries.
Azerbaijan, India, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Turkey and Uzbekistan were listed by the UN agency in 2009 as countries where Norouz is celebrated, but later five more countries, namely Afghanistan, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan were also included.
A few other countries also sent their requests to be included on the list.
What are the messages of Norouz and what are its potentials for Iran and other countries?
Norouz brings the messages of hope, peace, rebirth, prosperity, interaction and friendship. We should do our best to develop the traditions of Norouz which are the most important cultural heritage.
Norouz is a tradition that can promote peaceful coexistence among countries where this traditional festival is observed. Artists can play a crucial role in the promotion of peaceful coexistence by observing Norouz. Countries that observe Norouz celebrations should seize this opportunity to boost their cultural and economic ties.
Iranians may not only protect their identity, but also boost their cultural, economic and political relations by celebrating Norouz.
Today, China and India gained many financial benefits through the Silk Road. China could also strengthen its relations with the Silk Road countries. Iran can also use the capacity of Norouz to improve its relations.
UNESCO registered Norouz celebrations as the shared practices of 12 countries; is Iran’s pivotal role accepted internationally?
Almost the whole world accepts Iran as the main contributor to Norouz. The word ‘Norouz’ and the thought behind it developed in Iran and then expanded to other parts of the world. Fortunately, everyone knows it without an iota of a doubt. But we do not seek, and there is no need, to register it only in Iran’s name. The fact that Norouz is a not limited to a specific region made a lot of countries practice its celebration. If we insist on registering it only in Iran’s name, this would question the unity, solidarity, and friendship that Norouz entails.
As a researcher and mythologist, would you please explain the symbols of Norouz?
Each and every tradition of Norouz, ranging from Chaharshanbe Suri and visiting the tombs of the dead, up until the moment of the Persian New Year, and designing the Haft Seen, people carry an important symbol which has not been thoroughly discovered yet.
Norouz is related to the Persian myths of Siavash and Jamshid. According to Persian mythology, the former is the symbol of rebirth in nature, and the latter was the legendary figure who defeated the demons on the very last day of winter; on the day of Norouz people celebrate this victory by carrying his throne toward the sky. All these symbols signify the triumph of Good over Evil. They all mean that on the day of Norouz we will see great changes.
To what extent are these symbols known?
Norouz means change, selfconstruction and communication with people. It means peace, interaction, and respect for the elderly, and visiting the graves of loved ones.
House cleaning on the threshold of Norouz is the symbol of freshness, cleanliness and comfort. In line with nature’s rebirth in the spring, our houses must be fresh and clean.
In addition, our officials evaluate their performances during the past year in order to make the necessary changes for the coming year. We must be familiar with the original form of Norouz and its myths. It is better to let Norouz experts explain the details of this Persian ritual, which cannot be considered a simple holiday.
Norouz means fine communication with others in terms of family and the world; it means peace among family members, among people in the society and throughout the world. We do not recognize Norouz unless its meanings and symbols are felt and practiced in society.
As you mentioned, many of the symbols of Norouz are unknown to us; how can the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO and other organizations help people understand them better?
When I was the deputy head of Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization, I introduced an initiative called ‘Norouz-gah,’ which aimed to expand the culture of Norouz from houses to the society. One of the reasons behind it is that Norouz is largely family-oriented. We should expand Norouz activities to the level of cities.
Nowadays, the Tajik people are much more active in terms of holding Norouz celebrations than Iranians. It is highly recommended that throughout the cities, there should be specific arenas that people celebrate Norouz, with outdoor theatrical performances and other programs.
Given that people show great enthusiasm for these national celebrations, their interest in foreign trips during the Norouz holidays would decrease, on one side, and foreign tourists would become eager to travel to Iran.
Several organizations including ICHHTO, the Ministry of Culture and the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting play a very substantial role in promoting the culture of Norouz to attract higher numbers of domestic and foreign tourists.
In previous years, Norouz celebrations, with the presence of world leaders of Norouz countries, were held; why doesn’t the trend continue?
Indeed, the absence of global Norouz celebrations is highly felt. The last time it was held was during the first year of the 11th administration. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and his team, in which I was also present, traveled to Afghanistan, which was hosting the celebrations. Unfortunately, no more global celebration was arranged for Norouz.
This year, the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO held a program on February 28, an international ceremony on Norouz, with the participation of Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and delegates from Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Turkey, Tajikistan, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Iraq, India, and Afghanistan.