Naw-Rúz

 

Naw-Rúz literally means “new day” and refers to the day the sun re-enters the sign of Aries. It begins with the passing of the sun into the vernal equinox, the first day of Spring. Naw-Rúz is observed wherever Persian culture has penetrated, notably among the Zoroastrians of Indian and in the Persian communities around the world.

The conflict between light and darkness is a key element of Naw-Rúz in keeping with the old Zoroastrian dualism. Contemporary cultures have retained this Zoroastrian feast because of the role it plays in the stabilization of the fiscal year. It’s jovial and lively ceremonies were highly esteemed at the courts of the caliphs and the sultans. The singing and music, which always mark Naw-Rúz, have always attracted Sufis to the festival.

The origins of Naw-Rúz go as far back as 15,000 years, before the last ice age. Legend says that the mythological King Jamshid defeated demons (divs) and brought prosperity to the land. The legend attributes the invention of this feast in the triumph over the forces of darkness. After a severe 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, and Earthly triumph over seasonal darkness and barren lands.

In 487 BCE, Darius the Great of the Achamenian dynasty, 700 to 330 BCE, celebrated the Naw-Rúz at his newly-built Persepolis in Iran. A recent research shows that it was a very special occasion. On that day, the first rays of the rising sun fell on the observatory in the great hall of audience at 6:30 a.m., an event which repeats itself once every 1400 years. It also happened to coincide with the Babylonian and Jewish New Years, making it a highly auspicious occasion for the ancient peoples. On Naw-Rúz, Persepolis was the place the Achamenian king received his peoples from all over the vast empire. The walls of the great royal palace depict the scenes of the celebrations.

We know the Parathions, 250 BCE to 224 CE, celebrated the occasion but we do not know the details. It should have, more or less, followed the Achamenian pattern. During the Sassanian time , 224 to 652 CE, the great king held his public audience and the High Priest of the empire was the first to greet him. Government officials followed next. Each person offered a gift and received a present. The occasion was celebrated, on some level, by all peoples throughout the empire.

Naw-Rúz gradually became a secular holiday, and as such it continued to be observed even after the triumph of Islam in Persia. Rulers, like their Zoroastrian predecessors, celebrated Naw-Rúz with great magnificence. As late as the 19^th century, Naw-Rúz was the only day the King would dine with other people.

In the mid 19^th Century, Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Bahá’í Faith, established Naw-Rúz as the New Year for the Bahá’í Calendar. Since that time, Bahá’ís throughout the world celebrate Naw-Rúz.

 

 

 

The Naw-Rúz Table

 

Naw-Rúz is celebrated with joyous festivity and excitement.

An elegant table is carefully laid with very specific symbols upon it.

 

White tablecloth represents spotless purity.

Mirror reflects our past, shows our present so that we can plan our future.

Candles are light, warmth, and energy to lead a righteous life that would,

in turn, radiate light, give warmth, and provide energy for others.

Incense burner gives the fragrance we need to meditate, pray to God, and ask

for help and guidance.

Colorfully painted eggs represent creativity and productivity.

Holy books and picture of a Holy One, represent our connection with God

and our desire to learn more to bring us closer to holiness.

 

The Seven S’s or “Haft Sin”

 

There are also seven or more items placed around the table,

all of which have Persian names begin with the letter S (sin).

 

Sumac, an exotic Persian spice, symbolizes a relishing taste.

Sib, an apple, symbolizes the fruits of our world, or life.

Senjed, the tasteless berry of the sorb tree that provides shade in the summer,

symbolizes the shelter and security needed to rest.

Sekay, coins, symbolize wealth and prosperity.

Samovar, teapot, symbolizes socialization and friendship.

Sabzi, green sprouts, symbolize prosperity and productivity.

Seer, garlic, represents health and fighting germs.

Serkay, vinegar, symbolizes remedy to all ills, spiritual and physical.

Sonbol, flowering hyacinth, represents new life and pleasant fragrance.

 

The whole table symbolizes the Message and the Messenger,

light, reflection, warmth, life, love, joy, production,

prosperity, and nature, all bestowed by God.