Norooz - Irane7000saale.com

In the name of the kind God
Iran-7000-Group
Subject:
“Norooz”
Familiar Ancient Tradition
Theme: Iranian Culture and Ancient Traditions
Author: Mostaffa Masoudy Irani
Paper Code: 7000-5-2
Key Words:
Norooz, Traditions, Happiness, Ancient Iran, Celebration
“Great Iran Plateau and Iranian Lands” Research Center
Great Iran Plateau and Iranian Lands Research Center
IRAN7000 Group
Paper at a Glance
Title
Page
Initial debate
3
Norooz is not restricted to the country Iran, only
4
Some about Norooz related Traditions
8
Norooz brings Joy and Happiness
11
“Seezdah-Bedar”
13
Final speech
15
Pictures of Biggest Haft-Seen
16
Reference
17
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Initial debate
From the beginning of human life, numerous customs has been emerged,
shaped, changed and sometimes some of them disappeared. It’s so clear that
our life is full of different kinds of traditions. For human beings, some of those
are so much valuable. Cultural traditions are always more important in most
societies. Nations are interested in keeping their ancient traditions alive which
their fathers and mothers have respected.
In this theme, “Norooz” is an ancient tradition that has a great history in a
large geographical zone. In fact, thousands of thousand years ago the Persian
King “Jamshid-Shaah” established this great tradition. From that ancient era
up to now, Norooz has been celebrated each year by all Iranian Tribes. Today,
this great festival is celebrated in many countries and lands. One of the most
obvious characteristics of Norooz is that it brings much joy and happiness in
society and families; this is why many people love it.
Today Norooz is more than only a tradition. It has many comprehensive
aspects which can be much discussed. This short paper only presents an
abstract description of the Norooz festivities and its related features.
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Norooz is not restricted to the country Iran, only
Today, it’s a repeated mistake that Norooz is only for Iranians. Origin of
Norooz has been in land which locates in today Iran and in fact Iran is the
spiritual mother of Norooz celebrations, but many countries and people are
really shared in this great global tradition. In other words, Norooz doesn’t
belong to the country Iran. It belongs to “Unique Nation of Great Iran” that is
shaped by more than several hundred million people. Historically, Iran has
been much more widespread geographically than its territory in the present
time. Tribes and people in that large scope share in too many believes, cultural
values and traditions that Norooz is an example of them.
Norooz Traditions in Tajikistan
We can say that meaning of “Great Iran” has a close relation with the
“Majestic Celebrations of Norooz”. Notion of “Great Iran” refers to an
extensive geographic map containing all Iranian people and tribes who live in
many countries and most of them celebrate Norooz.
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As mentioned, Norooz has a comprehensive geographic
zone and so many people celebrate it each year. So, the
Norooz has linked members of family in specific countries,
like a chain. In this view, sizeable portion of population in
countries (below listed) celebrate Norooz:
o Iran
o Afghanistan
o Tajikistan
o Turkmenistan
o Pakistan
o Kyrgyzstan
o Uzbekistan
o Armenia
o Kazakhstan
o Georgia
o Azerbaijan (northern Iran)
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Kazakh People Celebrating Norooz
Iranian citizens and tribes are from those kind of people who love their
traditions and beliefs. Examples for this sentence are Qashqai, Kurdish people
in the great Kurdistan1, Turkmen people2, Azeri people3, Balooch people4,
Khoozestani, Khorasani, Lorestani and Kermani. In addition, some other
countries which have regions filled by Iranian tribes, (like China, Turkey,
India, Iraq, Bahrain, Germany and Persian Gulf Emirates) usually celebrate
Norooz each year.
Also, great celebrations of Norooz can be seen in other zones or regions. For
example, many countries in Europe, Africa, South and North America which
large Iranians groups live in, host Norooz traditions annually in their different
cities. Norooz celebrations begin on March 21th each year which is the first
day of “Farvardin” in Iranian ancient calendar.
Below, you see photos from "Norooz Global Celebration" and festivities of
New Year which was held in Iran, Tehran (March 2010).
1
. In the Western Iran plus parts of Iraq, Turkey and Syria . In the North Eastern Iran and Turkmenistan 3
. In the Northern and North Western Iran 4
. In the South Eastern Iran and Western Pakistan 2
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Afghan President, Norooz Global Celebration – Tehran – Iran (Year 3735, Iranian Calendar)
Tajik President, Norooz Global Celebration – Tehran – Iran (Year 3735, Iranian Calendar)
Turkmen President, Norooz Global Celebration – Tehran – Iran (Year 3735, Iranian Calendar)
Iraqi President, Norooz Global Celebration – Tehran – Iran (Year 3735, Iranian Calendar)
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Some about Norooz-related Traditions
As an ancient tradition, Norooz has many traditions.
Some of Norooz Sub-traditions begin from days or
weeks before Norooz come.
“Chahar-Shanbeh-Soori” s celebrated on the last Tuesday evening of the year.
Every family gathers several piles of wood or brush in the streets or parks to
lit shortly after the sunset. All the family members line up and take turns
jumping over burning fire and singing “Sorkheeyeh toe az man, Zardeeyeh
man az toe’. Meaning “I give my paleness to the fire and take fire red healthy
color”. Yellow or paleness symbolizes the sickness and pain and red
symbolizes health. Fireworks can be heard throughout the night.
There is a delicate and sometimes forgotten fact that "Norooz" has its own
separate identity in relation with "New Year". In Fact, New Year and Norooz
are simultaneous great events that this subject often leads to considering them
as a unique theme. It can still add another event to them which is starting the
nice season of spring.
One Norooz-related tradition which is so
nice and beautiful is named “Haft-Seen”
(It means 7 Objects that their names begin
with “S” pronunciation in Persian).
Celebrating
people
annually
set
a
symbolic tablecloth and put “Haft Seen”
items plus other specific items.
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Any object of "Haft-Seen" has its special meaning. Haft-Seen items are:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
“Seeb” (apple) symbol of healthfully
“Sekkeh” (coin) symbol of prosperity and wealth
“Sabzeh” (grass or grown wheat or lentil) symbol of rebirth
“Sofreh” (Spread)
“Samanoo” (flour and sugar) symbol of life sweetness
“Somaagh” (Sumac) symbol of warmth
“Serkeh” (vinegar) symbol of patience
In addition to mentioned items, there are
other objects which can substitute of any of
7 items, like “Seer” (garlic) for health,
“Sabad” (Basket) and “Senjed” (dried fruit
of Lotus tree) a symbol for love. If we
couldn’t find the 7th items, the tablecloth
itself can play the role of one “Seen”
because it is named “Sofreh” in Persian.
Some valuable items are placed in Norooz tablecloth like a religious holy
book, nicely painted eggs. Special red and gold fishes of Norooz are kept in a
glass pot or decanter. Finally, a mirror can complete items of the Haft-Seen
tablecloth. Painted eggs in Haft-Seen represent fertility. Mirror represents
image and reflection of life. Go5ldfish in a bowl represents life and being live.
It can be interesting to know that in ancient Iran this tradition was named
“Haft-Sheen” that suggests 7 objects starting their name with “sh”
5
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pronunciation. By passing historical eras Haft-Sheen changed into the HastSeen. Today, some few people act such for the Haft-Seen.
One of Norooz related traditions is someone called “Amoo-Norooz” and other
character who called “Haji-Firooz”. These two ones are imaginative character
who come with Norooz and leaves us when Norooz ends. Also, there are real
men who play the roles of “Haji-Firooz” and “Amoo Norooz”. They are
always happy and cheerful. Especially, they bring joy for children and make
them so cheerful. In reality, “Haji-Firooz” is a character who is the traditional
herald of Norooz. “Haji-Firooz” disguise himself with makeup and wear
brightly colored outfits of satin. Haji Firuz sings and dances and parade
through the streets with tambourines, kettledrums and trumpets to spread
good cheer and the news of Norooz arrival.
Taking and giving some money is another tradition in Norooz visits of
relatives. This Norooz gift is called “Eydi”. It’s a custom that older people give
some money to younger ones. Parents usually give it as a Norooz gift to
children. Another usage of Eydi is in the days before beginning of Norooz,
especially in “Esfand”. Some service people who service others ask some more
payment that includes Eydi. This procedure is not forced at all. It means that
two sides do this nice tradition intentionally by their kindly wills.
According to some powerful beliefs, praying and talking with God is a
valuable religious act which leads to a heavenly mood or unworldly state.
Some beliefs say that wishes and desires are met at this time (the exact time of
New Year beginning).
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Norooz brings Joy and Happiness
One aspect of Norooz which has given it a nice lovely mood is that Norooz
begins simultaneous with spring beautiful events. As a descriptive sentence,
we can watch earth gain its life after a death and nature come out form a
winter sleep. In harmony with the rebirth of nature Norooz ceremonies begin
and so much smiles and happiness emerges in people lips and faces.
Iranians clean and rearrange their homes. They make new clothes, bake
pastries and germinate seeds as sign of renewal. Sometimes this tradition
called “Spring-clean”.
In the season spring many amazing events happen in nature. Trees and plants
regain their soul and they become alive after winter death. Everyone stepping
in ways watches flowers with fresh green color and amazing smells in
gardens.
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By approaching Norooz, obviously a mood of pleasure and general happiness
in all cities and rural areas can be seen.
In Iran, people try hardly to clean their houses and other things in month
“Esfand”6 one month before springs. When you go different places in Esfand
month, you see cars being washed, walls and ground being washed, carpets
are being washed, and clothes being washed.
In Fact, people make their home and themselves ready before Norooz comes.
In the Norooz holidays, families visit relatives and tour nice places, historical
cities and other popular targets.
Afghanistan, Joyful Children in Norooz Celebration
Iran, Global Norooz Celebration, 3735 (1389)
Happiness of Norooz in Tajikistan
6
. or “Espand” in Pure Persian irane7000saale.com
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“Seezdah-Bedar”
At the end of Norooz holidays, there is a special and interesting day. This is
13th day of Norooz the day when people go outside home for a picnic with
their families and relatives. This is a public holiday in Iran and formally called
“Nature Day”. Everybody tries to go nice points in the countryside and enjoy
form beauties of nature. “Seezdah-Bedar” is to overcome the bad luck they
spend the entire day out of the house with families and friends in the parks.
They sing and play games and celebrate a happy and healthy holiday season
and end the holiday season on a positive mood.
little girl in Turkmen land
You see cars with “Sabzeh” (green or grass) on them or some people carry
Sabzeh with themselves. This is an old belief that people tie Sabzeh and wish
their desires to come true this year.
Playing different games is one of this day entertainments which brings a lot of
joy and happiness among older and younger ones. This is a good opportunity
for finishing Norooz holidays by a cheery spirit and positive morale. Final day
Norooz celebration can save a large amount of energy in body and soul of
people for coming working days.
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Red fish kept up to this time, are carried to an appropriate place like a river,
strand of water or sea and then fish will be released on it.
people getting ready for Norooz, Tehran
Afghan people cooking bread for Norooz
Tajik people celebrating Norooz
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Final speech
Today people value many of their traditions more. Some beliefs and customs
are placed upper in modern era because swift changes and technologies
sometimes make us tired. Specially, cultural traditions can help us to
remember our history and civilizations and get a nice sense.
Historically, Norooz festivities have been in ancient Iran and some other
neighbor lands. But, today it belongs to a large number of people in the
World. Norooz and its traditions act like a linking chain among all Iranian
people and also among countries Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan,
Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Armenia and
Northern Iran. So, we celebrate the popular Norooz for making near and near
all people of sharing history, civilization, Culture, traditions and beliefs. We
respect and value the traditions that our mothers and fathers have celebrated.
At the start of each Iranian year, Norooz can help us
to begin a better life at start of each year and to
bring warmth and love back among people.
We pass paper shits of calendar and again Norooz
comes. Norooz brings message of love with itself for
people who expect its coming. When we see that
nature restarts its life, we are hopeful to begin a
good happy year by celebrating the great Norooz.
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Pictures of Biggest Haft-Seen
Here, nice photos of the biggest 7-Seen, presented for you:
End of Paper
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Reference
o IRAN-7000-Group Database of Iranology
o IRAN-7000-Group Archive of Norooz Pictures and Photos
By: Mostaffa Masoudy Irani
Special thanks to AmirAli MojtahedZadeh
Latin Paper from:
Great Iran Plateau and Iranian Lands Research Center
Research Side of Iran-7000 Cultural Group
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