The Persian New Year.

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 Sunday 20th March 2011 at exactley 23:20:45 Hrs The Persian new Year, "Nowruz"  Begins

Nowruz means New Day. "Nowruz is a celebration of the Spring Equinox. It has been celebrated by all Mesopotamians. Sumerians, 3000 BC, Babylonians 2000 BC, the anciant kingdom of Elam in Southern Persia 2000 BC, Akaddians all have been celebrating it in one way or another.

Nowruz with it's uniquely Iranian charactristics has been celebrated for at least 3000 years and is deeply rooted in the traditions of the Zoroastrian beliefs (This was the religion of Ancient Persia before the advent of Islam 1400 Years ago)."

Before the arrival of the new year "Nowruz" a large table cloth is spread on the floor or table with seven edible things; the name of which begins with the letter "S" or "sin"in Persian.

This is called The Haft Sin Table. each one of these items represents different qualities. ie.

Sib (Apple) = Health, Natural beauty, Fragrance

Sir (Garlic) =  To ward off  evil

Serkeh (Vinigar) = Signifies Maturity & Patience; Wards off bitterness in life

Sabzeh (Freshley grown seeds  = Purity, Opulence and good fortune.

Senjed (Jujube Fruit) = Love

Samanou (A paste made with wheat Sprouts) = Sweetness, fertility, having many children

Somaq (Sumac) = Colour of the Sun and Sunrise.

Plus number of other items.

WE WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO WISH ALL OUR PERSIAN LISTENERS IN NORWICH, IN ENGLAND AND ALL OVER THE WORLD A HAPPY "NOWRUZ" ( HAPPY NEW YEAR).

                                             در سایه ایزد تبارک        عید همگی بود مبارک