Nowruz, Mirror of Iranian Thought (1)

Nowruz is not just an annual festival but a series of social behaviors which are not done singly. This is the first episode of a four-part program in which we are going to discuss the features of Nowruz which are derived from the Iranian thought.

Nowruz is one of the most important prides of Iranians which reflect the national identity of Iranians. Nowruz is the symbol of hope in life and future. It also symbolizes the joy of the people who, despite plurality and variety, have attained peace and love via engagement with the environment. Nowruz is considered the greatest file in the UNESCO in terms of population engaged in the feast. It has been registered as an intangible global heritage. An intangible heritage is the one which is often transmitted orally from one generation to another. This heritage is constantly re-produced according to the requirements of time and place. This re-production is a sign of being alive. An intangible heritage is also characterized by transcending the borders and being adopted by other ethnicities and communities.

The thought in the Iranian culture – which is beyond territorial boundaries - has been shaped throughout history and has been manifested in the form of myth, philosophy and Gnosticism. The Iranian thought has been shaped since very old times and passed through different eras before Islam. But after the advent of Islam it has been demonstrated in the thoughts of great figures like Abu Ali Sina (Avicenna), Attar, Abu Saeed Abul Khayr, Shams Tabrizi, Mowlana, Hafez, Molla Sadra, Sohrevardi, Allameh Tabatabai and so on.

Although Nowruz is a national feast of Iranians, it has been confirmed by religious leaders. Some of the traditions which have been emphasized in Islam can be clearly seen in Nowruz. Visiting relatives, respecting the elderly, helping the poor and needy, cleaning and beautifying of houses and cities, kindness and affection give a religious color to Nowruz.

Islam has strengthened the national identity of Iranians and highly contributed to the growth of their civilization and culture. As a pre-eminent feature of Iranians one may refer to their poetical nature. A brief study of the history of Iran and behavior of Iranians shows that poetry is intermingled with their life. Different aspects of Nowruz and revival of the nature have obviously been demonstrated in the works of poets. Some of them have even dedicated a collection of their poems to the topic of spring and Nowruz.

Revival and regeneration of the world in spring, rising of plants and flowers from the cold soil, and the hope of revival of nature is the most important aspect of Nowruz feast which attracts every lover of nature. Coexistence and interaction with the nature has always been in the mind of Iranians. Nowruz is an opportunity to pay attention to ourselves and reform our internal and external relations.

The fact of the matter is that we are indulged in our routine affairs so much so that we forget our internal world! Indeed, some of us are alienated with ourselves. I have to be in good terms with myself. It means I must accept my past flaws and mistakes and try to reform them.  

RM/MG