Haji Firoozeh, Saleh Yeh Roozeh

The start of Spring is one of the most beautiful times of the year. Not so much for the weather when you live in Southern California, we don't really have seasons after all, but rather for Norouz, or Persian New Year. With the coming of the Spring Equinox comes the ancient Iranian tradition and celebration of Spring. Although it started out as a Zoroastrian (an ancient Iranian monotheistic religion prior to the coming of Islam, having begun in parallel to the start of Judaism ) today, this holiday has no religious affiliations, it is for all. Its origins are attributed to the mighty Persian king, Jamshid. 

Norouz has three main celebrations. The week before, where we jump over fire to purify ourselves for the New Year, Chahrshanbe Soori, the actual New year itself, the first day of Spring, Norouz and the marking of the end of Norouz, thirteen days later for Sizdah Be-dar where people spend time picnicking outdoors. Ironically, it is the pre New Years celebration of Chahrshanbe Soori, that resonates with me the most. It is the single tradition that can always be counted on in my family. We roll into my Grandmother's giant backyard and start laying out the metaphoric bricks to set tiny (contained) bonfires to jump over. As we jump over the fire we proclaim "zardi-ye man az to, sorkhi-ye to az man,  literally meaning "[let] your redness [be] mine, my paleness (literally yellowness) yours." This is considered a purificatory practice for the coming year. 

With the coming of the New Year comes the presentation of the 'Haft Sin,' the Seven S's. This crucial tradition displays seven items starting with the letter S (Sin in the Persian alphabet). The items symbolically correspond to seven divine creations. The Haft-Sin includes; Sabzeh (Sprouts growing in a dish) symbolizing rebirth, Samanu (sweet pudding of wheat germ) symbolizing affluence, Senjed (dried fruit of the oleaster tree) symbolizing love, Sir (garlic) symbolizing medicine, Sib (apple) symbolizing health/beauty, Somaq (Sumac) symbolizing the (color of the) sunrise and Serkeh (vinegar) symbolizing age/patience. In addition to these seven, we include Sonbol (hyacinth flower) symbolizing the coming of spring and Sekkeh (coins) symbolizing wealth and prosperity. Other items that have made there way to this glorious table that have NO relation to the letter Sin include; Decorated Eggs (similar to those used for Easter) symbolizing fertility, A Mirror for cleanliness and honesty, Lit Candles symbolizing enlightenment and happiness, A Bowl of Water with an Orange floating in it symbolizing the earth in space, Rose Water symbolizing magical cleansing powers, Goldfish representing life and the transition from Pisces to Aries (Esfand to Farvardin). 

Our Haft Sin, rather then Sonbol which is pretty pungent and drives my brothers crazy, I opted for tulips this year.

Yesterday as Norouz was in full swing, I was driving around LA blasting traditional/folkloric Persian songs by Rastak. Truly inspirational, spiritual, happy and just FUN music! (Will leave the links below for some of my favorite tracks.) Thats the thing that I love about Norouz, it brings you back to your roots and allows you to be prideful of your roots for a truly ancient and positive celebration. One of my favorite momentous is a greeting card I bought from a Persian artist on Westwood Blvd which I have saved since I was maybe 9 years old. Unfortunately his studio has since closed. The card was initially a giant painting over the mantle in his studio. As a child I remember being extremely intrigued by it and wanting to have a piece of it. This card is the only piece my grandma would let me have! The scene is the Persian equivalent to Santa Claus, tradition that is underplayed today with Iranians. From what I remember being told as a kid, the painting shows the coming of Amu Norouz (Uncle Norouz) coming in from the Damavand mountains on his magical phoenix bringing gifts for children, over the ancient ruins of Persepolis. Amu Norouz is characterized as an elderly silver-haired man who puts on a felt hat, has a walking stick, and wears a long cloak of blue canvas. Along with Amu Norouz (not pictured below) is the infamous Haji Firouz, (maybe the equivalent to Santa's Elves?) his face covered in soot, and clad in bright red clothes and a felt hat. He dances through the streets while singing and playing a tambourine. Haji Firoozeh, Saleh Yeh Roozeh!

Incredible Persian Folkloric Songs:
https://youtu.be/ll4kcpA7Ec8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y12uIGpzqZ4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MW2N27_PfB4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_m5U0EtdIY

In Conclusion:

Norouz Mobarak (Happy Norouz)

Eid-eh Shoma Mobarak (Happy New Year to You)

Norouz Pirooz (Wishing You a Prosperous New Year)

Sad Saal be in Saal-ha (Wishing You 100 More Happy New Years)