Iranians celebrate New Year, show campus their culture

The Iranian New Year, (Norouz) was celebrated yesterday in the South Plaza of the University Student Union, by Iranian students and faculty.

"The purpose of gathering here is to introduce Norouz to the other students and present the tradition of Iranian culture," said Mana Manzoori, the president of the Iranian Student Union.

Manzoori began the program by wishing everyone a happy new year and describing this holiday's festivities.

The celebration included music and folk dancing from different parts of Iran. Associated Student President Suzie Aramesh joined the group and participated in the dancing and other activities. "It is great to see that such a small community of Iranians on our campus can gather together to present this holiday," Aramesh said.

"The name Norouz means Ônew day.' It refers to the day the sun re-enters the sign of Aries," Aramesh said. "It begins with the passing of the sun into the vernal equinox, which this year occurred March 20, at 6.14 p.m."

The celebration starts with "fire Wednesday," which is the Wednesday before Norouz. Both the young and the old jump over a fire while chanting, "My pallor for you, and your ruddiness for me."

That night one can guess their future by listening in on other conversations and translating fortunate words as personal omens that reflect their personal aspirations.

"On Norouz Eve, families gather for a feast, around candle-lit tables, which includes the seven S's (Haftsin), seven dishes that begin with the letter S in Farsi, the Iranian language.

"The number seven has been sacred in Iran since the ancient times and seven dishes represent the seven virtues of life: rebirth, health, happiness, joy, prosperity, patience, and beauty," said Cheryl Family, psychology major.

The traditional meal for this holiday is Sabzi Polo, which is rice mixed with green herbs and served with fish. It is served the day of the new year.

"This holiday lasts for 13 days. During this time everyone visits each other to give best wishes for the coming year," said Saeid Mousavi, electrical engineering major.

On the thirteenth day, families leave their homes to picnic in a cool grassy place. Staying home is known to be bad luck. It is also tradition for the unmarried ladies to tie blades of grass together and wish to be married by the following year.

There is much dancing, singing, eating and drinking, that marks the end of Norouz celebrations.