Philosophy of Nowruz Festival in Ancient Persia (Part 2)
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): “Make every day your New Year if you can, i.e. give gifts to each other in the cause of God and visit your next of kin.” (Da’em al-Islam, Vol. 2, P. 326)
Nowruz is the most ancient national custom in the world that has remained to the day and it is one of the best factors for continuation of the culture originally established by the Iranians (southern Aryans).
Nowruz is a combined word of two parts in Persian Language: “Now” meaning new and “Ruz” meaning day. It refers to the first day of the first month of the solar year, when the sun is fixed on Aries the Ram.
According to some historians quoting ancient myths, three thousand years ago on this day Jamshid left his palace on southern Urmia Lake (Hassanloo ancient site) and was deeply caught by the glittering sun and freshness of the nature, thus called the day a new day or “Nowruz”, the day of sincerity, cleanliness of earth from the evils and the day of thanksgiving to the Almighty God. The king commanded the day shall be celebrated every year nonstop by observing special ceremonies.
Nowruz Festival is marked on first day of the month of Farvardin (day of Ormazd that falls on March 21). Since, unlike other ancient Persian festivals, it has no burden of equality of the names of months and days, it is superior to other ancient Persian festivals. Many stories have been narrated so far on the emergence of this mythical festival, but diverse rites and rituals observed before and after this festivity make Nowruz a mysterious festival.
Translated by: Sadroddin Musawi
Other links:
Philosophy of Nowruz Festival in Ancient Persia (Part 1)
Philosophy of Nowruz Festival in Ancient Persia (Part 3)
Philosophy of Nowruz Festival in Ancient Persia (Part 4)
