Celebrated across a vast region, including Iran, East Asia, Central Asia, the Caucasus, and the Balkans, Nowruz is an ancient festival rich in tradition. Due to its historical significance and cultural importance, it was recognized as an international festivity by the United Nations General Assembly on February 22, 2010, and named “International Day of Nowruz”.
Throughout history, despite various challenges and obstacles, Iranians have consistently preserved their language, culture, traditions, customs, and ceremonies. One of the reasons for the enduring stability of Nowruz lies in its deep connection to ancient national and territorial traditions. Nowruz serves as an opportunity to spread kindness, peace, friendship, and the unity of hearts.
According to the customs of this ancient festivity, the inhabitants of the spiritual geography of Nowruz take advantage of nature’s renewal to cleanse the material aspects of life and remove the rust of resentment from their hearts. Fortunately, this year, this ceremony of purity and cleanliness coincides with the spring of the heart and soul, i.e., the holy month of Ramadan.
As the Supreme Leader of the Revolution, Grand Ayatollah Khamenei, has stated, “Ramadan is a unique opportunity among the months of the year for individuals to guide their souls – amidst the numerous factors and causes that lead to neglect of God and His path – toward ascension, elevation, and closeness to God Almighty.” Therefore, the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan is truly a great Eid for Muslims, and it is fitting for believers to congratulate one another on the arrival of this blessed month. This year, as the spring of nature coincides with the spring of prayer and the Qur’an, it is especially appropriate that, with the changing of the year and our entry into the threshold of Ramadan – the month of divine mercy and forgiveness – we also strive to turn away from the shortcomings, deviations, ugliness, and evils within ourselves and our lives.
Nowruz is deeply rooted in symbolism, and its Haft-Sin table is intricately connected to ancient myths. When analyzing and studying this transnational festivity, it is essential to pay attention to the intertwining of Nowruz and its customs with these myths. In Iranian culture, the table of Haft-Sin symbolizes family unity, and Nowruz begins with the preparation and decoration of this table. This tradition represents the honoring of family bonds and conveys a message of renewal and dynamism within the family; a vital need in today’s world.
The rituals of this ancient festivity serve as a foundation for alleviating mental pressures and fostering psychological well-being in society. By the same token, this timeless celebration embodies freshness, vitality, friendship, and reconciliation. It symbolizes the revival of hope and a new beginning, offering an opportunity to come together, rekindle friendships, restore and strengthen bonds, revive cherished traditions, and deepen our connection with nature.
In today’s world, where human relationships have faded amid the whirlwind of daily busyness, this ancient tradition can bring us closer together and remind us of the value of cultural and family roots. Respect for nature and the preservation of this miraculous creation begins in mid-Esfand (Iranian month) with tree planting and continues until the last day of Nowruz. These practices connect individuals to nature, reminding them that their lives depend on the continuation of nature’s vitality. By emphasizing family-centeredness, joys, and smiles are shared, and a sense of empathy is nurtured and strengthened.
In a world where everything is changing rapidly, the identity-building traditions of Nowruz reconnect us with our innate human essence, preserve our connection to our heritage, and remind us of our authentic cultural values. As a shared global tradition, Nowruz unites many peoples and, despite the transformations brought by modern life, reconciles them with their moral, authentic, and innate identity. Nowruz always serves as an opportunity for a fresh start, creating joyful moments with loved ones, fostering connections with the subcultures of diverse ethnic groups, and ensuring social vitality and a strong bond with cultural heritage.
This celebration is an opportunity to strengthen cultural diplomacy in the civilizational field of Nowruz, and we should use this opportunity to move forward with convergence and synergy in the development of activities and cooperation in accordance with the policies of our states about greater interaction with our neighbors.
By: Dr. Hossein Divsalar
