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“ Norooz ”, or the Persian New Year 2009 is celebrated on the spring equinox somewhere around March 21 st according to the Gregorian calendar. Symbolic of two ancient concepts of the End and Rebirth, Persian New Year is said to be based on many beliefs such as on the idea of the triumph of good over evil. Celebrated by the Persians and Iranians, Norooz is a time to rejoice.
There is no one fixed account of the origin of the Persian New Year, Norooz. Celebrated for last 3000 years, Norooz is said to have its origin rooted in the traditions of Zoroastrian belief system, which was the religion of ancient Persia. Ancient Iranians had a festival called “ Farvardgan” that used to last for ten days during the last days of the solar year. This festival was believed to represent the end of life, on the other hand Norooz signified the beginning of the spring spirited rebirth.
Preparations for the Persian New Year start almost a month ago and lasts for up to 13 days. Iranians indulge in activities like cleansing the house thoroughly, also known as Khaneh Tekani or “shaking your house”. Old things are thrown out to make place for the new to bring in the good luck and prosperity in the coming year. Germinating wheat or lentil seeds, making new clothes and baking pastries are all part of the preparations for the Persian New Year. Norooz, the Persian New Year is like Christmas to the English.
A popular practice followed on the occasion of the Persian New Year 2009 is the jumping over the fire. People gather on the streets and jump over a fire while singing the phrase “ sorkhiyeh to az man, zardieh man az to”, meaning give me your healthy red glow and my yellow color away. This practice has a special significance according to which flames represent good and as one jumps over them, the fire takes away the bad luck, thereby making space for good luck in the coming year.
Wishing you a very happy and prosperous New Year 2009, Travour offers you New Year Tours around the world along with online information on New Year Celebrations and Persia New Year.
Listed below are some popular New Years:
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