زبان انگليسي سرايان (اندیشه)

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 Happy Nowrouz Traditions in Iran

At the time of Tahveel or exact moment of the vernal equinox in Iran, the holy Qur'an is recited and special supplications are read in Arabic as follows;

Translated into English this famous Arabic supplication means:

O' Transformer of Hearts and Eyes;
O' Regulator of Day and Night;
O' Rotator of Time and Situation;
Change our state to the most excellent of Situation.

Iranians prepare for Nowrouz well in advance and start with a thorough cleaning of their houses since a famous hadith from Prophet Mohammad (blessings of God upon him and his progeny), says: Cleanliness is part of faith. The spring is also a pleasant occasion to celebrate after the cold and dreary days of winter. Upon the arrival of the spring one of the common traditions in Iran is cleaning the houses thoroughly and washing carpets and draperies and brushing furniture. In all towns and cities, cleanliness is well observed even on streets and public sites. In some localities, people by dividing works among themselves prepare for the New Year. The old and young, men and women work in a general voluntary mobilization for cleaning the locality and the place of work.
Of course cleanness is also noticed in the other days of the year, particularly since Islam has put a special emphasis on it. But one should say that at the beginning of spring, with the cleanness and decoration of streets and houses, the freshness of this season is more properly felt. As people clean their clothes and homes they make their chests the refuge of affection and sincerity.

Thus, wishing well for everybody and showing fraternal feelings is a special feature of Nowrouz. Every year on the threshold of the New Year, public efforts to look into the needs of the poor and helping them are seen all over Iran. Every one vies to help the deprived section and extend financial aid to them in order to gladden their hearts and provide a pleasant atmosphere. Actually on the last days of the year, people, with the cooperation of the government, engage in public mobilization of charity work for sharing happiness with the have-nots.
Another common tradition in Nowrouz at the moment the earth completes its revolution around the sun, is the Haftseen tablecloth that is spread and adorned with fruits, dry nuts, cookies, flowers, and of course, a copy of the Holy Qur'an. In addition seven items that begin with the letter Seen or S of Farsi like Seer, Senjed, Serkeh, Seeb, Somaq, Sabzeh, and Samanou are spread on the Haftseen. Samanou is a typical Iranian food prepared with wheat pods.
Other features of the Nowrouz tablecloth are the beautiful arrangement of eggs painted with a variety of colours. The Haftseen also contains a water container containing a red fish as well as mirror in front of which are placed candles. Placing the Holy Qur'an on the Haftseen tablecloth and reading surahs from it at the turn of the year are among the other common traditions among the Iranian Muslims. Many Iranians fast on Nowrouz as recommended in Islamic text as thanksgiving to the Almighty Creator, Who regulates days and nights, and Who transforms seasons. Many Iranians go on pilgrimage to holy sites to mark Nowrouz.

The holy cities of Mashhad and Qom are crowded with millions who pray to God on this occasion to put into practice one of the major recommendations of Islam that is renewal of friendship and strengthening of affection. Thus at the turn of the New Year, greetings are exchanged and affection replaces strained ties. Usually youngsters visit the elders with visits to one's parents a top priority.

Gifts are also exchanged. People also visit hospitals to sympathize with patients and share with them the freshness of spring. Hospitals and rehabilitation centers witness the most beautiful scenes of sincerity and affection during these days.
Most Iranians take the opportunity of Nowrouz holidays to visit other cities and towns or plan trips abroad for change of atmosphere. Historical sites and places with good climate are the favorite spots of Nowrouz tourists. The 13th of Farvardin is usually spent outdoors to provide a fitting end to the spring holidays, before schools and colleges reopen, and people return to normal working life.