by Dennis Augustine
The Rinconada Hills Association (RHA) Family Committee recently hosted a vibrant Nowruz celebration, bringing together neighbors and friends, including Lily, her husband Abbas, and Saeed, who led the event. Guests enjoyed Persian tea, wine, fruits, cookies, and other treats. The festivities featured children’s crafts, poetry readings, traditional music, and a lively dance party. Lily and Saeed read selections in Farsi and English from renowned Persian Sufi poets Rumi and Hafiz, known for their profound spiritual insights.
Nowruz, meaning “new day,” marks the Persian New Year and the first day of spring. Originating over 3,000 years ago and rooted in Zoroastrianism, it symbolizes renewal and harmony with nature. Celebrated in countries with significant Persian cultural influence, traditions include spring cleaning, gift exchanges, family gatherings, and buying new clothes. A notable ritual is the preparation of the Haft-Sin table, displaying seven items beginning with the Persian letter ‘S’:
• Seeb (apple) representing beauty • Seer (garlic) symbolizing health • Serkeh (vinegar) denoting patience • Sonbol (hyacinth) signifying spring • Samanu (sweet pudding) for fertility • Sabzeh (sprouts) for rebirth • Sekeh (coins) for wealth
A poem by Rumi from my library shelf encapsulates the spirit of Nowruz:
Nowruz is not just the sun reborn, it is a doorway, hidden in light, step through—if you dare—leave behind the weight of yesterday. Do not bring fear, do not bring doubt, for they are shadows, not truth. Bring only the ember of longing, the flame that says, “I am ready.” Spring does not argue with winter—it simply arrives. So too, must you. Nowruz is here. Open your hands, and walk into the new world.
This celebration at Rinconada Hills beautifully honored the rich traditions and cultural significance of Nowruz, fostering a sense of community and renewal among attendees.
