Author: Arash Nooraghayee/ Translated by: Mahdiyeh Mohammadi/ Photo: Pouran Zangeneh
“Hourmazd (Ahura Mazda) created finite time from that which was infinite. This finite length of time shall last twelve thousand years, from the creation of life on earth to the time that evil will be vanquished.”
These lines are extracted from the Bundahishn; a collection of texts related to Zoroastrian cosmogony and cosmology. The name consists of two parts; “Bun” meaning “primal” and “Dahishn” meaning “creation”. Bundahishn, therefore, translates to “Primal Creation”.
Similarly, the Iranian New Year is known as “Nowruz”; literally translating to “New Day”. It signifies the first day of spring, the season of creation and the resurrection of nature. Consequently, Nowruz has an evident relationship to the Bundahishn’s text of Primal Creation.
Nowruz is not an isolated concept. The spirit of Nowruz becomes palpable among the Iranian people in the days leading up to New Year and continues for several days thereafter. Therefore, to fully appreciate the celebrations of this season one needs to have a comprehensive understanding, not only in regard to the ceremonies of Nowruz, but the related feasts and traditions.
It is important to note that the modern iteration of ceremonies surrounding the Persian New Year has not been extant from the tradition’s inception. Nowruz, as a dynamic festival, has evolved significantly over the centuries; adopting diverse customs and beliefs as a consequence to the Persian people’s interaction with populations of differing cultural and religious identities.
1.Activities prior to the moment of New Year
• Spring Cleaning
A significant principle of Persian New Year custom is the idea of a fresh and revitalised start to everything; even, if not especially, the household. Indeed, in the days leading up to New Year families will be cleaning, washing and repairing every corner of their home; sometimes even going through a total refurbishment. During this time it is not uncommon to find the Persian people of a vibrant disposition as they go about their duties of spring cleaning. Scenes of washed carpets hung over balconies and the vigorous scrubbing of windows are a typical feature of daily life in the pre-Nowruz period…
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