Norouz Holidays (Iranian New Year)

Norouz  in Persian  means New [-year]-day. It is the beginning of the year for the peoples of Iran (Greater Iran), Afghanistan, Azerbaijan (Arran) and Central Asian Republics. Turkey too has decided to declare Norouz a holiday. It is also celebrated as the New Year by the people of the Iranian stock, particularly the Kurds, in the neighboring countries of Georgia, Iraq, Syria, and Turkey.

It beg  ins precisely with the beginning of spring on vernal equinox, on or about March 21. This year, because of the Leap Year of the Common Era, Norouz and vernal equinox begin on Monday, 20 March.

Tradition takes Norouz as far back as 15,000 years--before the last ice age. King Jamshid (Yima or Yama of the Indo-Iranian lore) symbolizes the transition of the Indo-Iranians from animal hunting to animal husbandry and a more settled life in human history. Seasons played a vital part then.

Everything depended on the four seasons. After a sever winter, the beginning of spring was a great occasion with mother nature rising up in a green robe of colorful flowers and the cattle delivering their young. It was the dawn of abundance. Jamshid is said to be the person who introduced Norouz celebrations.  

Happy New Year to All of You Around the World!