NowRuz Celebration 1396 (2017)

March 21, 2017

IACNT- March 21^st marks the first day of Spring, and it’s also the first day of the Persian New Year, Nowruz. On the occasion of the Persian New Year, on March 18^th, many Iranian-Americans along with family and friends residing in North Texas attended a Nowruz celebration in Carrollton, Texas, which was held by the IACNT.

After a long dark and cold winter, Spring brings the rebirth and assurance that Life is not dead and that Nature will be blossom once again - trees are blooming, birds are singing, leaves are growing, tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths are filling the air with their pleasant scent and more. Nature has defeated the freezing winter and once again its endurance has paid off, the time for rebirth and rejuvenation is at hand. Haft Sin, a tabletop arrangement of seven symbolic items traditionally displayed at Nowruz, is an essential part of the Nowruz celebration. The Haft Sin includes seven specific items, all starting with the letter S or Sin (in Persian alphabet). The items symbolically correspond to seven creations of Nature. Originally called Haft Chin, Haft Sin has evolved over time but has kept its symbolism; traditionally, every Iranian family attempts to set a beautiful tabletop arrangement at Nowruz. Our celebration was great, the walls were decorated with Persian handcrafts, flowers, Iranian flags with the original design of the lion and sun, Persian refreshments, and other decorative arrangements. As the festivities continued, local musicians played their traditional instruments and sang, many danced, and a wonderful dinner and desserts were served with continued dancing throughout the night.

In addition to Nowruz, the IACNT Community was celebrating the safe transfer of Camp Liberty residents from Iraq to Albania. Members of the Iranian resistance who escaped the atrocity of the Iranian regime were originally stationed in Camp Ashraf, located in Iraq, and later were transferred to Camp Liberty near Baghdad as a temporary resettlement. Tragically, both camps were attacked by the corrupt Iranian regime’s proxies on multiple occasions causing death to over 100 residents. Finally a few months ago, all residents were safely transferred to Albania without further incident. North Texans whose family and friends were among the surviving residents of the camps are extremely exuberant and relieved to know they are safe now. At the end festivities, the IACNT statement which longs for a free and democratic Iran was read.