Happy Nowruz / Spring
Nowruz is the Persian New Year celebrated at the beginning of spring by various ethnicities worldwide. It is a festival that occurs on or around March 21st on the Gregorian calendar. Nowruz has its origins in Zoroastrianism and has been rooted in the traditions of Persian/Iranian people for over 3000 years. Presently, it is largely celebrated as a secular holiday by most celebrants.
Nowruz, translated as New Day, is approaching and we are excited to share Nowruz with you. Much like most of Pennsylvania, we are ready to say goodbye to winter and celebrate the bounty of spring. Traditionally, many begin preparations for Nowruz weeks in advance, deep cleaning their homes; or what we know as spring cleaning. On the last Wednesday before Nowruz, many celebrate Chaharshanbe Suri, an Iranian festival of the fire dance. On that night many jump over fire and go door to door banging spoons to pots to scare away bad luck. The spring festivals focus on fertility and new life, so it is appropriate that many revelers celebrate with seeds and eggs.
To celebrate, households setup tables arranged with seven symbols, these items represent Haft-sin all starting with the letter “S” in Farsi. These include seeds and sprouts which symbolize rebirth, senjed (also known as silverberry which is thought to spark love), garlic (for protection) apple (for fertility), sumac (for love), vinegar (for patience) and samanoo a pudding (for affluence). The table can also include the Holy Book, painted eggs, coins, mirrors and poetry books. The Nowruz celebrations end on the thirteenth day of Sizdah Bedar, also known as nature’s day. Families go picnicking in the heart of nature, getting rid of the ominous overtones of the day thirteen.
As I write about Nowruz, I remember my childhood growing up in Iran. The excitement of the holiday, the new haircut, new shiny shoes, visiting family and of course all of the (Eidy) gifts I was to receive. The thirteenth day picnic was always bittersweet as we had to go back to school the next day.
Nowruz is even more special to me now. My journey to Pittsburgh started just over 20 years ago, right after the Nowruz celebrations. What was supposed to be a short business trip, started a beautiful everlasting journey; I met the love of my life, Dana. We got married and made Pittsburgh home to raise our two sons, Khalil and Kamran. As I travel through the country for work or visit my family in California, where I grew up, people often ask me why I chose Pittsburgh. It is true, we don’t have the blingbling of some of the big cities with six lane highways, Four Seasons hotels or beaches; but, our people make Pittsburgh exceptional. Yinz are, warm, kind hearted, generous people and make this a wonderful place to live, prosper and raise a family. Not to mention, we have the real four seasons here.
Since I immigrated to the US in the late 1980’s, I have lived in three states and worked in over 30 of them. Each visit out of state affirms my choice, I am very happy to call Pittsburgh home. I am also very proud to be an Iranian-American. Many people celebrating Nowruz around the world these days are fighting for basic freedoms and liberties that as Americans we freely exercise. It is with gratitude that I celebrate Nowruz here in Pittsburgh.
Dana and I would also like to take this time to thank you for supporting us throughout the years with World of Rugs. We pride ourselves on our vast selection, integrity and fair prices. We are looking forward to new beginnings with new and returning customers. Pittsburgh is comprised of many neighborhoods and ethnic groups; come in, we would love to learn about your heritage and your new beginnings this year.