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Nowruz is the name of the Persian New Year and marks the First day of spring. It has been celebrated for more than 3000 years not only in Iran, but in other countries as well. Celebrating Nowruz has become so widespread that in 2010, United Nation's General Assembly recognized the International Day of Nowruz. Canadian Parliament also added Nowruz to the national calendar of Canada in 2009.
So what does Nowruz mean? The word "Nowruz" is a Persian compound word, consisting of two words: "No”, meaning "New" [pause] and Ruz, meaning "Day". Nowruz, therefore means that a "New Day" has begun, signaling the beginning of the New Year. As their most important national holiday, a typical Iranian family usually prepares for Nowruz, couple of weeks in advance. They start with a tradition called Khooneh Tekouni, which literally means, "shaking the house". Many spend days and days cleaning every spot of their home before the beginning of the New Year.
Close to the arrival of Nowruz, you might encounter men dressed in red on streets of Iran, whose faces are covered in soot. Called Haji Firuz, these men are the heralds of Nowruz. They sing and dance and deliver the news that Nowruz is coming. Haji Firooz is the sidekick of Uncle Nowruz, the equivalent of Santa Claus in Persian culture. Similar to Santa Claus, Uncle Nowruz, is also an old man with white beard, who brings gifts and good luck to people.
The Persian Student association at UBCO annually organizes Nowruz a celebration in the Art building. This year tens of multinational guests attended Persian New Year Celebration to explore a taste of Iranian culture, tradition, and food. The function started with a speech, followed by several programs including live music performance, traditional dance, and other entertaining activities.
Ray Taheri
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