Nowruz in Iran (1)

Iran is one of the famous multi-ethnic and multi-cultural countries. Kurdish, Baluch, Turkmen, Azeri, Arab, Qashqai, Bakhtiari, Talshi, Taat, Lor are some of these ethnicities. These peoples have lived together for several millennia.

Although these people have their own specific language and traditions, they have many commonalities especially in religious beliefs and national ceremonies. Nowruz is one of the most common ceremonies as it is observed throughout Iran. Although it is marked with little differences by different ethnicities, the core of the ceremony is the same. This ancient feast is the symbol of unity and bolsters national spirit. In the closing days of every year, Iranians clean their homes and accord a warm welcome to spring. Iranians wear clean and new clothes in harmony with the nature. Everybody considers Nowruz as the symbol of freshness and development. Thus, as the nature changes, people try to change and abandon their evil habits and deeds. In a two-part program we are going to introduce to you some of the Nowruz traditions and customs in Iran. Hope you'll enjoy it.

Nowruz ceremonies are held with especial liveliness among Azeri people of Iran. Although Azeri-speaking people are scattered in various regions of Iran, the people of East Azarbaijan, West Azarbaijan, Ardebil and Zanjan provinces welcome the coming of spring more consistently as these provinces are mostly populated by Azeri people. "Takam" is a tradition among Azeri people. Originally it is the name of a small goat figure which is held by a "Takamchi". Takamchi is the itinerant singer who performs a simple play while singing to the tune of musical instruments. These poems are about spring and Nowruz. Giving gifts to new brides and grooms is common among Azeri people of Iran.

Most people of West Azarbaijan, East Azarbaijan and Ardebil provinces still call the last Iranian month (Esfand) as "Bayram Ayi", meaning the month of Eid (Nowruz). People in West Azarbaijan province used to call the first week of Esfand as "Chilla Qovan", meaning the week that causes the winter to escape. They used to celebrate the final days and weeks of winter. Thus, the first Wednesday was called "Yalanchi Charshanba", meaning fake Wednesday. The second Wednesday was called "Kula Charshanba", meaning short Wednesday. However, the third Wednesday had several names including, "Mushtuluqchi Charshanba" (Wednesday of good tidings), "Qara Charshanba" (Black Wednesday) and "Khabarchi Charshanba" (Wednesday that brings a message). Demographic studies have shown that each of the Wednesdays in Esfand month symbolized four elements, namely, water, soil, wind and fire. One of the most important traditions of Nowruz is the sending of food to the newly-married girls by their mother. This is still practiced among Azeri people of Iran. This tradition is called "Bayrampayi" (Nowruz Share). Sending of this food by the girl's mother may continue throughout the mother's life. On one night before the last Wednesday of the year, one of the families of the girl's relatives, like uncles or brothers especially her mother, prepares food and sends her the food along gifts such as fabric, clothes and so on.

Qashqai people live in migration. They inhabit mostly in Fars province. They usually live in low altitudes till late April and as it gets warmer they begin migrating to mountains and cooler areas. Thus, they celebrate Nowruz in the places where they reside for winter. Qashqai nomads celebrate Nowruz as the best day of joy. Nowruz is the harbinger of life for them. It gives the tidings that winter is gone with its chilling days. If it rains enough in winter everywhere will be green very soon and Qashqai people will be high-spirited as they see the revival of the nature and beautiful flowers. Spring is the season of gifts and vividness for Qashqai people. The day before the turn of the year, Qashqai women prepare a special halva (sweetmeat) with wheat flour, oil and dates and distribute it among people as a present to the dead. If there is a graveyard or tomb of an Imamzadeh (descendant of the Prophet) near, they go there and pray for the dead and distribute the halva over there. Qashqai people try to prepare a luxurious dinner for the eve of Nowruz. It is usually lamb and rice or chicken and rice. Qashqai people believe that everybody should stay at home on the eve of Nowruz; so, if they are on a journey they return home. The Qashqai nomads decorate their tents with colorful rugs, gilim and jajim. They hang colorful tassels onto the poles of tents. Qashqai people paint parts of the body of their cattle, put henna on the hands of their children and wear new clothes. As the day of Nowruz arrives, they go to visit the elderly and gather together in one place. Then they go to the tents of relatives. After exchange of congratulations and kisses, the guests are welcomed with local bread (Yukha), toasted wheat, walnuts, dried dates, figs, raisins, sweets and pastries. Gifts (Eidi) are also given especially to the children and youngsters. Marriage proposals are usually done during Nowruz days and agreements are set for next months. Next time we will make you familiar with Nowruz traditions of other ethnicities in Iran.    

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