Nowruz Holiday coincides with the day of the vernal equinox, which falls annually on March 20-21.
Nowruz is one of the most ancient holidays on Earth – it symbolizes the beginning of a new life. The word “Nowruz” has farsi origins and literally means “new day”.
It is a purely national holiday associated with the awakening of nature, the onset of heat and the beginning of agricultural work. Usually celebrated in countries like Islamic Republic of Iran, Afghanistan, Central Asian Republics, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kurdish region in Iraq.
Nowruz gained official status in the Persian Empire of the Achaemenids in the VI-IV century BC.
The emergence of holiday is associated with the cult of the Sun and the name of Zarathushtra. The oldest source where the celebration is mentioned is the holy book of the Zoroastrians “Avesta”.
According to the teachings of the Avesta, every spring people should celebrate the emergence of life on earth, originating “in six forms” (heaven, earth, water, animals, plants and people).
This holiday, in ancient times, had been celebrated 13 days, and at the end of the festivities people went out into the fields and celebrated the New Year. This custom promised happiness and prosperity for the coming year.
In harmony of the new and fresh birth of the nature IPE Club wishes everyone who celebrates a Happy Nowruz! May your year be filled with a spirit of love, compassion and togetherness.
