Open the windows
For, the gentle breeze is celebrating the birthday of the beautiful flowers
And spring,
Moshiri
I firmly believe that each of us is a force capable of positive achievements. Not just for ourselves or our families but for our community, humanity and world we live in.
Our New Year celebrates the rejuvenation of nature. It is a celebration of our differences and an opportunity of sharing the beauty of our cultural heritages. It is a time to learn from each other how harmony in joyous times can bring us together in friendship. With the New Year, we should not only hope to improve our own state of affairs, but commit to taking steps to better our environment, eradicate hunger, and support efforts to provide shelter and education for those less fortunate. New Year is the perfect time to celebrate wonderful traditions, to appreciate family and friends, to pay special attention to our elders and to reach beyond our own wants and desires by committing to make a positive difference in our world.
I cherish our New Year celebration and the traditions associated with it. Jumping over the fire on the eve of the last Wednesday of the year…out with the old and in with the new. The egg coloring, the sprout preparation, arranging each item on the Haftseen table, buying new clothes, preparing different sweets for the Haftseen and having guests visit during the first few days of the new year. The family gathering around the Haftseen table for the arrival of the new year (Spring Vernal Equinox) and elders explaining the history and meaning behind all of it. The first prayers of the new year, then greeting each other and wishing everyone well. Thirteen days of holiday celebrations (what a gift for our kids) and last but not least the 13th day picnic, to keep the bad omen of the 13th outside of the home.
In the year that passed, recently we witnessed the loss of many loved ones in the crash of the Ukrainian airline over Tehran. Senseless and destructive. I saw my community in shock and in utter unbelieve. the pain still remains. Life brings us so many just and unjust ups and downs and yet the same life demands of us to keep going. In their memory I will have a lit candle in my Haftseen, for they may rest in peace.
There is no better time to remember fond memories of family and friends. With so many of us located in different parts of the world now, I hope we can keep the wonderful traditions alive for our future generations. This is the time that the earth rejuvenates, it is the first day of Spring. We, too, can celebrate and start a year of well wishes for all mankind.
My friends, open the window to the gentle breeze of spring that brings the promise of many a new hope. Celebrate life, be joyous and happy for blessings bestowed upon you
The editorial team of Peyk joins me in wishing you and your loved ones, a year of blessed friendships, prosperity, good health and happiness.
