Persian New Year

[Nadia]

Hi Folks,

Some of you may know that Persian New Year is coming up this month. I wrote a very small article about Persian New Year in this month's newsletter for Nadia Academia de Baile. For those of you who know any Iranians this info may be redundant. But if you don't know anything about Persian New Year, hopefully this brief intro will pique your interest. I'm happy to share more if anyone is interested. :)

Here's the link:

http://conta.cc/XNHfyn

[cam00]

Is it the same as the Chinese New Year? The day of the 1st New Moon in the Astrological Sign of Aquarius? Will there be a party with some delicious Arabic food?

[Nadia]

Not exactly...
It's based on the Spring Equinox, so it's at a slightly different time each year. It stems back to the pre-Islamic Zoroastrian religion, predating the Arab invasion of Persia. Which brings me to my next point...

No delicious Arabic food because Persians and Arabs are ethnically different and have different languages, food, culture, etc. But it's a common misconception that they're the same. In fact, "Persian" only refers to Iranians and Afghans.

I happen to be in California right now, but would love to offer some delicious Persian food in Guanajuato. Hopefully soon... :)

[Jzmackenzie]

I LOVED the article! Thank you Nadia.

Spring Equinox or vernal equinox is March 20, 2013 in North America. This holiday will be celebrated in Guanajuato at my home in an outdoor stone circle with flowers, singing, dancing, and fresh foods from our garden.

Like Nadia, I researched my cultural roots decades years ago. Being Polish, the seasons of the year hold great significance, as spring warms the earth March through October in Poland. Seasons when the earth is warm is the only time in Poland when food will grow. Spring (March 20-22) is "New Years" on a harvest calendar, not January; likewise the end of the year, October 31-November1, is when the last harvest comes in.

March 20-22 (it varies) is a time that will be celebrated at my home only on that day, not for two weeks. My home is in Cajones, Guanajuato, at the top of a hill, and among a whole lot of pine trees.

My birth name is Zaleski, derived from the Leshy. Leshy or Lesovik is the Tree Spirit. My Slavic roots honored, respected, and protected nature as the sole supplier of our food; I do the same. Modern men often calls us "tree huggers," mostly because the concept of honoring nature more than the "almighty" US dollar bill seems strange in the 21st Century. From my standpoint, if we had spent more time respecting nature, we probably would not be dealing with climate change like we are now.

I confess, I am also a teacher. I hope you are not sorry you asked!

Jacquie

[McMurphy_RP]

Food! Hooray!!! Happy New Year!!!!!

[Nadia]

Thanks for sharing, Jacqui! I love holidays that are tied to nature as opposed to religion.

And yes, hooray for food and Happy New Year to all! :)