Zoroastrian New Year
Monday, March 19th, 2012
Happy Zoroastrian New Year!
Commonly referred to as “Persian New Year,” the vernal equinox (first day of spring) is one of the biggest celebrations of the year in some countries and regions, including Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Albania, northwestern China, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kurdish Iraq, and Azerbaijan, among others. The holiday dates back approximately 3,000 years when the pre-Judaic prophet, Zoroaster, founded what is thought to be the world’s first monotheistic religion, Zoroastrianism. The faith describes a dualism in the world between order and chaos, truth and falsehood, good and evil. Zoroaster instructed his followers to think good thoughts, say good words, and do good deeds to keep negative forces away.
Once one of the world’s largest religions, today there are an estimated 200,000 followers, with approximately 20,000 living in the U.S. While the number of followers has dwindled, the Zoroastrian new year, called Now Roz (also, Norooz, Nowruz, Navrez, and others; literally “New Day”), is celebrated regardless of religion. Now Roz is a time of festivities, joy, and renewal, and depending on the country, the celebrations can last nearly two weeks. Renewal is observed by thoroughly cleaning one’s home, wearing brand-new clothing and shoes, and gifting newly minted banknotes and coins to children. Many regions have their own delicacies associated with Now Roz, and holiday tables are decorated with sprouted wheat, candles, goldfish, mirrors, coins, flowers, dried fruit, apples, sweets, and more, to indicate the good luck and fortune that the new year will bring. Children decorate eggs, receive money, and fill themselves on sweets and holiday foods.
There are several children’s books about Now Roz, including Leila’s Nowruz Adventure: Activity and Coloring Book, Gala and Her Friends Celebrate Norooz, Happy Nowruz: Cooking with Children to Celebrate the Persian New Year, and the DVD Babak and Friends - A First Norooz. The books include activities and crafts for children and the DVD is in English and Farsi (Persian).
The first day of spring falls on March 20 this year.