speak of friendship and affection. Eyes are enlightened at meeting each other as smiles are flashed across faces. The elders shower kindness upon the youngster, and is normal for them to given them Eid or presents. They have learned this good and noteworthy deed from the Prophet of Islam who used to say: Exchange presents International Festival since it removes hostility and animosity. NOWRUZ achievements are so many. Some of them are political and cultural solidarity for the survival of a di- versified society, establishment of peace and friendship between the people and the nature, commemoration of leges reopen, and people return to normal working life. natural appearances as the creatures of God and refresh- ment of morality for starting a new juncture of life. NOWRUZ, Symbol of Iranians Coexistence Although NOWRUZ is adorned with the beliefs and with the Nature traditions of the Iranian people, it has a close link with Iranians have been marking NOWRUZ every year one of the most important aspect of life of all nations on since the ancient Persians borrowed this spring celebra- the earth. The creation of the world at the beginning of tion from the astronomically advanced Babylonians and spring, growing of plants and hope in renewing the na- Persianized it when Cyrus the Great conquered Mesopo- ture’s life are among the most important characteristics tamia. The day which is as old as history and is associated of NOWRUZ. with the first man, Father Adam, is a sign of how God Interest in the nature and the environment has ex- revives nature after the cold and gloomy winter, and how isted amongst the Iranians since the past. This attach- on the Day of Resurrection mankind will be raised to life ment to plants and the environment is fully manifested for the final judgment to reward the virtuous and to pun- in NOWRUZ. The geographical diversity of manifests ish the wicked. It is also worth noting that following the this belief in all over the land in various shapes. Although acceptance of Islam by the Iranians, all pre-Islamic rites the majestic mountains and the lush green jungles as and festivals died out, but NOWRUZ because of its asso- well as the beautiful lakes and cascading waterfalls, are ciation with creation and events of significance in the life all a treat to the eyesight, these wonders of nature ac- of several prophets that occurred on the Spring Equinox quire a different aspect at the beginning of the New Year Haft Seen (Seven ‘S’) continued to flourish. Interestingly, Iranian astronomers, and NOWRUZ holidays as people flock to the countryside especially the great mathematician Omar Khayyam who to enjoy the pleasant air of spring. The tourism industry flourished over nine hundred years ago, very accurately is a gift of the modern world, and the Iranian people uti- calculated the 365-day calendar in Iran, basing it on the lize this to the very utmost during NOWRUZ holidays. auspicious migration from Mecca to Medina of Prophet In January, the United Nations (UN) designated 2010 Mohammad (Peace be upon him and his progeny). as the International Year of Biodiversity. Protection of On the beautiful and fresh days of spring it is cus- the Planet’s biodiversity has been at the centre of UN en- tomary for Iranians to exchange visit to observe the vironmental policy for many years. Way back on Decem- Cultural Council good tradition of the holy Prophet of Islam. In spring ber 29th 1993, the UN Convention on Biological Diversity was endorsed with three principal aims. Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran the three factors mentioned by the Prophet provide aes- Email: [email protected] thetic pleasure. Wherever you step, there is sincerity. All http://nairobi.icro.ir Iranians prepare for NOWRUZ well in advance and start with a thorough cleaning of their houses, washing car- pets, draperies and brushing furniture since a famous hadith from Prophet Mohammad (blessings of God upon him and his progeny), says: Cleanliness is part of faith. In all towns and cities, cleanliness is well observed even on streets and public sites. In some localities, people by dividing works among themselves prepare for the New Year. The old and young, men and women work in a gen- eral voluntary mobilization for cleaning the locality and the place of work. The Haftseen also contains a water container containing orouz or the Vernal Equinox, which falls on March Every year on the threshold of the New Year, public a red fish as well as mirror in front of which are placed 21 every year and marks the start of the Iranian efforts to look into the needs of the poor and helping candles. Placing the Holy Qur’an on the Haftseen table- NNew Year, is the most glorious spring celebration them are seen all over Iran. Every one vies to help the de- cloth and reading Surahs from it at the turn of the year in the world. The prestigious festival of Nowruz increased prived section and extend financial aid to them in order are among the other common traditions among the Ira- with the endorsement of a resolution on February 23, to gladden their hearts and provide a pleasant atmos- nian Muslims. Many Iranians fast on NOWRUZ as recom- 2010 by the United Nations to designate NOWRUZ as an phere. Actually on the last days of the year, people, with mended in Islamic texts as thanksgiving to the Almighty International Day for its ancient roots and for its celebra- the cooperation of the government, engage in public Creator, Who regulates days and nights, and Who trans- tion in most of the eastern Muslim world. mobilization of charity work for sharing happiness with forms seasons. Many Iranians go on pilgrimage to holy The resolution was drawn up by the Islamic Repub- the have-nots. sites to mark NOWRUZ. The holy cities of Mashhad, Qom, lic of Iran’s permanent mission to the United Nations in Another common tradition in NOWRUZ at the mo- as well as the shrines of the descendants of the Prophet a joint initiative with Turkey, , the Republic ment the earth completes its revolution around the sun, in Rayy, Shiraz and other cities are crowded with millions of , , and is spreading the Haftseen tablecloth and adorn it with who pray to God on this occasion to put into practice one and was presented to the UN General As- fruits, dry nuts, , flowers, and of course, a copy of the major recommendations of Islam that is renewal sembly. It is to be noted that NOWRUZ has already been of the Holy Qur’an. In addition seven items that begin of friendship and strengthening of affection. registered as international heritage by the United Na- with the letter Seen or S of the like Seer, Visiting friends and relatives is the other main tradi- tions Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization Senjed, Serkeh, Seeb, Somaq, Sabzeh, and Samanu are tion of NOWRUZ in Iran. Usually youngsters visit the el- UNESCO. NOWRUZ is actually the rebirth of nature. It is spread on the Haftseen. Samanu is a typical Iranian food ders with visits to one’s parents a top priority. Gifts are an ancient feast which gloriously manifests at the begin- prepared with pods. also exchanged. Thus at the turn of the New Year, greet- ning of spring and brings peace, hope and prosperity for Other features of the Norouz tablecloth are the beau- ings are exchanged and affection replaces strained ties. millions of persons all over the world. NOWRUZ makes tiful arrangement of eggs painted with a variety of colors. People also visit hospitals to sympathize with patients people share their joys with each other. In Iran, NOWRUZ and share with them the freshness of spring. Hospitals celebrations begin a few days before the Spring Equinox and rehabilitation centers witness the most beautiful and end on the 13 day of spring. Although various people scenes of sincerity and affection during these days. including Persian, Kurd, Lor, Turk, Baluch, Turkman and Most Iranians take the opportunity of NOWRUZ holi- Arab live in Iran each with their own specific traditions, days to visit other cities and towns or plan trips abroad NOWRUZ links all Iranians together. All Iranian people for change of atmosphere. Historical sites and places regardless of their religious, geographical, language and with good climate are the favorite spots of NOWRUZ historical diversities celebrate NOWRUZ. tourists. The 13th of Farvardin is the end of NOWRUZ NOWRUZ is accompanied with certain traditions in holidays which is usually spent outdoors to provide a fit- Iran the most important of which is house cleansing. ting end to the spring holidays, before schools and col-