Automoderated users, confirmed, movedable, protected, Administrators, templateeditor
4,446
edits
Nowruz: Difference between revisions
Expansion... Photo added + part of Notes & Ref
(minor edit) |
(Expansion... Photo added + part of Notes & Ref) |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
[[File:Haft-Sin-table-iran.jpg|thumb|Sofre Haft Sin: A Symbolic Table of Hope and Tradition]] | |||
'''Nowrūz''' (Persian: {{ia|نوروز}}) is the beginning day of spring and of the solar [[hijri]] calendar. The celebration of Nowruz is considered the oldest symbol of Persian culture. The celebration contains a collection of national, ethnic, and religious customs and traditions. | '''Nowrūz''' (Persian: {{ia|نوروز}}) is the beginning day of spring and of the solar [[hijri]] calendar. The celebration of Nowruz is considered the oldest symbol of Persian culture. The celebration contains a collection of national, ethnic, and religious customs and traditions. | ||
Nowruz is celebrated in several countries and nations and is a national holiday in some countries. | Nowruz is celebrated in [[Iran]] and several countries and nations and is a national holiday in some countries. The United Nations has officially recognized the "International Nowruz Day" in its calendar. | ||
The United Nations has officially recognized the "International Nowruz Day" in its calendar. | |||
Nowruz is recognized in some [[Shiite]] traditions as a blessed day and certain prayers and rituals are prescribed for it. | Nowruz is recognized in some [[Shiite]] traditions as a blessed day and certain prayers and rituals are prescribed for it. | ||
==Introduction== | ==Introduction== | ||
Nowruz is the beginning day of spring and the first day of the month of Farvardin, which marks the beginning of the Solar Hijri calendar. The celebration of Nowruz is attributed by some scholars to ancient Iranian kings and is considered by others a [[Zoroastrian]] practice. Others simply regard it as an Iranian national tradition and the most ancient symbol of Iranian culture. | Nowruz is the beginning day of spring and the first day of the month of Farvardin, which marks the beginning of the Solar Hijri calendar.<ref>Dihkhudā, ''Lughatnāma'', under the word "Nowruz".</ref> The celebration of Nowruz is attributed by some scholars to ancient Iranian kings and is considered by others a [[Zoroastrian]] practice. Others simply regard it as an Iranian national tradition and the most ancient symbol of Iranian culture. | ||
Nowruz is also introduced as an indication of pluralistic Persian culture that contributed to the peaceful coexistence among various people. It is a holiday that brings together Zoroastrians, [[Christians]], [[Sunnis]], and [[Shiites]], despite all their differences, on the Haft-Sin table (a table with seven items whose names in Persian start with "sin" or s sound, which is arranged for the celebration of Nowruz). | Nowruz is also introduced as an indication of pluralistic Persian culture that contributed to the peaceful coexistence among various people. It is a holiday that brings together Zoroastrians, [[Christians]], [[Sunnis]], and [[Shiites]], despite all their differences, on the Haft-Sin table (a table with seven items whose names in Persian start with "sin" or "s" sound, which is arranged for the celebration of Nowruz).<ref>Haft-sin (Persian: {{ia|هفتسین}}) is an arrangement of seven symbolic items whose names start with the letter "{{ia|س}}" (pronounced as "sin"), the 15th letter in the Persian alphabet; "haft" ({{ia|هفت}}) is Persian for "Seven".</ref> | ||
Rulers used to receive gifts and taxes from people on Nowruz. In some periods, the appointment of officials to their positions would be arranged on this day. | Rulers used to receive gifts and taxes from people on Nowruz. In some periods, the appointment of officials to their positions would be arranged on this day. | ||
In addition to Iran, Nowruz is celebrated in other countries, including [[Tajikistan]], [[Afghanistan]], [[Pakistan]], [[Azerbaijan]], [[Kirgizstan]], [[Uzbekistan]], [[Kazakhstan]], and [[Zanzibar]]. | In addition to Iran, Nowruz is celebrated in other countries, including [[Tajikistan]], [[Afghanistan]], [[Pakistan]], [[Azerbaijan]], [[Kirgizstan]], [[Uzbekistan]], [[Kazakhstan]], and [[Zanzibar]]. The United Nations has officially recognized Nowruz as the “International Nowruz Day.”<ref>[https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/677301?ln=en&v=pdf International Day of Nowruz : resolution / adopted by the General Assembly]</ref> | ||
The United Nations has officially recognized Nowruz as the “International Nowruz Day.” | |||
==Traditions and Customs== | ==Traditions and Customs== | ||
[[File:Sabzeh.jpg|thumb|Sabzeh: Wheat, barley, or lentil sprouts: symbolizing rebirth and growth]] | |||
The celebration of Nowruz has included a series of traditions and customs. Iranians begin to prepare themselves for Nowruz days or even weeks ahead. They clean their houses and wear new clothes. They plant greenery for their tables of Haft-Sin and preserve it until the thirteenth day of Farvardin when they throw it to a river or a stream. | The celebration of Nowruz has included a series of traditions and customs. Iranians begin to prepare themselves for Nowruz days or even weeks ahead. They clean their houses and wear new clothes. They plant greenery for their tables of Haft-Sin and preserve it until the thirteenth day of Farvardin when they throw it to a river or a stream. | ||
Arranging the Haft-Sin table is also a Nowruz custom, whose symbolic meaning has been variously explained. [[Iran]] | Arranging the Haft-Sin table is also a Nowruz custom, whose symbolic meaning has been variously explained. [[Iran|Iranian]] [[Muslim]]s also place the [[Quran]] on their Haft-Sin table. | ||
Visiting relatives and friends is a widely common tradition during Nowruz holidays. | Giving and receiving gift, usually in the form of money, is an ancient Nowruz custom. Colored eggs are also among the gifts that are exchanged on Nowruz. Visiting relatives and friends is a widely common tradition during Nowruz holidays. | ||
Many people prefer to be present in a sacred place at the moment of the beginning of the new year. | Many people prefer to be present in a sacred place at the moment of the beginning of the new year. Travelling is also very common on Nowruz holidays. | ||
Travelling is also very common on Nowruz holidays. | |||
==Nowruz in Shiism== | ==Nowruz in Shiism== | ||
| Line 36: | Line 30: | ||
However, according to a hadith from [[Imam al-Kazim (a)]], Nowruz was a custom that Islam did not recognize and thus the Imam (a) refused to celebrate it. | However, according to a hadith from [[Imam al-Kazim (a)]], Nowruz was a custom that Islam did not recognize and thus the Imam (a) refused to celebrate it. | ||
Many scholars have studied these two set of hadiths. [[Allama al-Majlisi]], for instance, concludes that the hadiths that recognize Nowruz are more reliable. He mentions that the hadith which rejects the celebration of Nowruz might have been said under the [[ | Many scholars have studied these two set of hadiths. [[Al-Allama al-Majlisi]], for instance, concludes that the hadiths that recognize Nowruz are more reliable. He mentions that the hadith which rejects the celebration of Nowruz might have been said under the [[taqiyya]] (precautionary dissimulation). [[Ibn Fahd al-Hilli]] speaks of Nowruz as an “esteemed” (''jalil al-qadr'') day. Many other scholars also have sided with first set of hadiths and, on their basis, have issued fatwas according to which ghusl and fasting are [[recommended]] (''mustahab'') on Nowruz. | ||
Some scholars have explained that Islam does not necessarily regard the customs and traditions of a nation in a negative way. Islam’s acceptance or rejection of these customs and traditions rather depends on their contents, and since Nowruz celebrations consist of good deeds such as giving gifts, visiting relatives, and cleanliness, it was accepted in Islam. | Some scholars have explained that Islam does not necessarily regard the customs and traditions of a nation in a negative way. Islam’s acceptance or rejection of these customs and traditions rather depends on their contents, and since Nowruz celebrations consist of good deeds such as giving gifts, visiting relatives, and cleanliness, it was accepted in Islam. | ||
==Prayers and Religious Deeds on Nowruz== | ==Prayers and Religious Deeds on Nowruz== | ||
[[File:Large crowds of pilgrims gather at the holy shrine of Imam Reza, in the northeastern city of Mashhad to ring in the Persian New Year, or Nowruz.jpg|thumb|Large crowds of pilgrims gather at the holy shrine of [[Imam al-Rida (a)]], in the northeastern city of [[Mashhad]] to ring in the Persian New Year, or Nowruz.]] | |||
Shiite scholars, based on hadiths in this regard, have mentioned the following prayers and deeds for Nowruz: | Shiite scholars, based on hadiths in this regard, have mentioned the following prayers and deeds for Nowruz: | ||
* [[Ghusl]] | * [[Ghusl]] and [[Fasting]] | ||
* Wearing clean and fragrant clothes | * Wearing clean and fragrant clothes | ||
* Reciting the following prayer, mentioned by Allama al-Majlisi for the beginning moment of the new year: | * Reciting the following prayer, mentioned by [[al-Allama al-Majlisi]] for the beginning moment of the new year: | ||
* Reciting the following prayer, narrated by Allama al-Majlisi: | :'''O One who changes the hearts and visions, O One who directs the night and the day, O One who changes situation and circumstances, change our circumstance to the best of circumstances.'''<ref>Karīmiyān Sardashtī, ''Duʿāyi taḥwīl-i sāl'', p. 41-42.</ref>.<ref>يَا مُقَلِّبَ الْقُلُوبِ وَ الْأَبْصَارِ يَا مُدَبِّرَ اللَّيْلِ وَ النَّهَارِ يَا مُحَوِّلَ الْحَوْلِ وَ الْأَحْوَالِ حَوِّلْ حَالَنَا إِلَى أَحْسَنِ الْحَال</ref> | ||
* Reciting the following prayer, narrated by al-Allama al-Majlisi:<ref>Majlisī, ''Zād al-maʿād'', p. 328.</ref> | |||
:'''Oh God, this is a new year and you are an Eternal King; I ask You for its good and the good of what is in it; and I seek Your refuge from its evil and the evil of what is in it, and I ask you for its provisions and its occupations, O Possessor of majesty and honor'''.<ref>اللَّهُمَّ هَذِهِ سَنَةٌ جَدِيدَةٌ وَ أَنْتَ مَلِكٌ قَدِيمٌ أَسْأَلُكَ خَيْرَهَا وَ خَيْرَ مَا فِيهَا وَ أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّهَا وَ شَرِّ مَا فِيهَا وَ أَسْتَكْفِيكَ مَؤُنَتَهَا وَ شُغْلَهَا يَا ذَا الْجَلَالِ وَ الْإِكْرَامِ</ref>.<ref>Some sources report that the Prophet (s) would recite this prayer in the beginning of lunar years.</ref> | |||
* Two [[prayer]]s (salat), each consisting of two units ([[rak'a]]t), together with special deeds. | * Two [[prayer]]s (salat), each consisting of two units ([[rak'a]]t), together with special deeds.<ref>Ḥurr al-ʿĀmilī, ''Hidāyat al-umma'', vol. 3, p. 316.</ref> | ||
==Recognition of Nowruz in UNESCO and UN Calendar== | |||
As it contributes to cultural diversity and friendship among peoples and different communities, Nowruz fits closely with UNESCO's mandate. With relation to the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, Nowruz was inscribed as an element in 2009, and extended in 2016, on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, at the joint initiative of Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, India, [[Islamic Republic of Iran]], Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.<ref>[https://www.unesco.org/en/international-day-nowruz#:~:text=In%20particular%20with%20relation%20to,%2C%20Azerbaijan%2C%20India%2C%20Iran%20( International Day of Nowruz]</ref> | |||
In 2010, the "International Day of Nowruz" was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in its resolution.<ref>[https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/677301?ln=en&v=pdf International Day of Nowruz : resolution / adopted by the General Assembly]</ref> This Resolution welcomes the efforts of Member States where Nowruz is celebrated to preserve and develop the culture and traditions related to Nowruz, and encourages Member States to make efforts to raise awareness about Nowruz and to organize annual events in commemoration of this festivity.<ref>[https://www.unesco.org/en/international-day-nowruz#:~:text=In%20particular%20with%20relation%20to,%2C%20Azerbaijan%2C%20India%2C%20Iran%20( International Day of Nowruz]</ref> | |||
==Notes== | ==Notes== | ||
| Line 55: | Line 54: | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{references}} | |||
* Ḥurr al-ʿĀmilī, Muḥammad b. al-Ḥasan al-. ''Hidāyat al-umma ʾilā ahkām al-ʾaʾimma''. Mashhad: Majmaʾ al-Buhūth al-Islāmiyya, 1414 AH | |||
* Majlisī, Muḥammad Bāqir al-. ''Zād al-maʿād''. Edited by ʿAlā al-Dīn Aʿlamī. Beirut: Muʾassisat al-Aʿlamī li-l-Maṭbūʿāt, 1423 AH. | |||
* Majlisī, Muḥammad Bāqir al-. ''Biḥār al-anwār''. Second edition. Beirut: Dār Iḥyāʾ al-Turāth al-ʿArabī, 1403 AH. | |||
* Karīmiyān Sardashtī, Nādir. ''Duʿāyi taḥwīl-i sāl''. Kitāb-i Māh-i Hunar Journal, No 29-30. Winter 1379 SH. | |||
* Dihkhudā, ʿAlī Akbar. ''Lughatnāma''. [n.p]. [n.d]. | |||
* [https://www.unesco.org/en/international-day-nowruz#:~:text=In%20particular%20with%20relation%20to,%2C%20Azerbaijan%2C%20India%2C%20Iran%20( International Day of Nowruz]. Accessed: 2024/03/18 | |||
* [https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/677301?ln=en&v=pdf International Day of Nowruz : resolution / adopted by the General Assembly]. Accessed: 2024/03/18 | |||
{{end}} | |||
{{Islamic Republic of Iran}} | {{Islamic Republic of Iran}} | ||
<onlyinclude>{{Editorial Box | <onlyinclude>{{Editorial Box | ||
| Line 61: | Line 68: | ||
| quality =b | | quality =b | ||
| links =done | | links =done | ||
| photo = | | photo =done | ||
| categories =done | | categories =done | ||
| infobox = | | infobox = | ||