Impacts of Norouz on Iranians (Part 2)
Norouz and the New Year festivities are held in Iran and its neighboring countries. That is why it has remained among different nations and has even attracted more nations. During history, Norouz has always been known as a unifying factor among various nations with language, ethnic and racial diversities. But how do the Iranian people view Norouz and do they celebrate it as in the past?
This should be answered from different aspects. First of all Norouz brings about fresh feeling in the society. The happiness and freshness felt in the first days of the New Year and Norouz holidays are felt less during other times of the year. The spiritual impact of the arrival of spring does not lie only in resting and being away from the routine activities. Visiting relatives and friends revives love and affection and motivates man to continue work more energetically and vigorously.
Norouz is closely linked with the nature, rotation of planet earth round the sun and renewal of the world. Iranians view Norouz as a lasting feast which reminds a rich and genuine culture and record.
The customs and traditions of Norouz are almost the same in different parts of Iran. Holding of this ancient feast in families creates hope and freshness among family members and strengthens familial bonds. Therefore, Norouz can be regarded as a strong factor for strengthening the foundation of family and Iranian society.
Moreover, Norouz belongs to all Iranians and all Farsi-speaking nations and ethnicities. So, even if some people may be abroad at the time of Norouz but they hold its customs and traditions; they call their relatives and friends, they send them e-mails and sms, and so on to congratulate them the arrival of the New Year. In Norouz, Iranians all over the world, enthusiastically commemorate Norouz rituals and visit each other and try to gather family members around. If you come across Iranians in Norouz, you will understand the beautiful sense of belonging to a single culture.
Norouz is common among other nations, too. These are the countries which had either been a part of Iran in the past or had been influenced by the Iranian culture and traditions. Although each of these nations has its own specific ceremonies, all call this feast Norouz and they celebrate it concurrent with the arrival of spring. Countries like Afghanistan, republic of Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Tatarstan and even Sudan and Zanzibar celebrate Norouz.
Thus we see that in addition to creating unity among Iranians, Norouz brings the regional countries close to each other, making them familiar with the history, art and culture of their predecessors. Certainly it is this history and art which can protect them against the cultural assault of the western media, cultural assimilation and promotion of alienation. For this reason, Norouz with its various aspects can affect individual and social life of the Iranians and the neighboring countries. It is beyond a simple celebration at the beginning of the New Year and has turned into an active and dynamic factor for unity and social cooperation and love of the fellowmen.
Source: irib.ir
Other links:
Haji Firouz, The Traditional Herald of the Norouz
