Nowruz - Persian New Year

8 Stimson Avenue,Providence RI 02906

26 March, 2022

Description

Nowruz - A time to welcome in and celebrate spring! The vernal equinox in the northern hemisphere kicks off the celebration of the Persian New Year or Nowruz - ‘New Day’. This ancient holiday is celebrated by all Iranians regardless of their religion – Zoroastrians, Jews, Christians, Muslims, Baha’is, and atheists – and holds a higher place in the Iranian calendar than any national or religious holiday. Preparation for Nowruz begins with people cleaning their houses from top to bottom to welcome spring into their homes. The weeks leading to Nowruz are spent in shopping malls and bazaars finding the right piece of clothing to wear the moment the sun crosses the equator – a moment that defines how the new year will be. On the eve of Nowruz, each family sets up a spread of haftseen ‘seven S’s’ with items that symbolize the wishes for the new year: health, patience, prosperity, light, rebirth, fertility, and beauty. During this two-week celebration, families visit relatives and friends and embrace the renewal of earth by spending time in gardens or picnicking in parks and nature preserves. March is typically the time when the Iranian diaspora feels nostalgic, going about the days without the familiar buzzing, anticipation, and contagious optimism that leads to the new year. This year the Iranian-American Cultural Society of RI, in partnership with International House of RI is excited to host a family-friendly potluck at the International House on March 26th, and we would love our fellow Rhode Islanders to celebrate this special day with us! Join us at International House to see our Haftseen, enjoy traditional dishes, listen to music and congregate with friends and family! Visit the International House’s website (https://ihouseri.org/) to learn more. This event will be in line with COVID-19 safety precautions. Beginning at 10 AM, forty (40) people will be allowed into the event with additional time slots to follow. Please sign up in advance through this event. All attendees will be asked to show proof of vaccination against Covid-19 - vaccination is required for this event. About International House of Rhode Island: International House of Rhode Island is an independent nonprofit multi-cultural organization that provides a “home away from home” for international students, scholars, professors, researchers, and their families. It serves the general public through language classes and cultural events. It enhances the local community by building cultural awareness and knowledge of the world through programs created with the distinct purpose of increasing connection, celebrating similarities and differences and envisioning a world in which friendship and understanding overwhelm anonymity, isolation, and ignorance. International House of Rhode Island programming ranges from helping to support individuals’ needs while in Rhode Island to presenting multi-cultural events and programs. Offerings include conversational English language classes and tutoring at all levels, foreign language classes and tutoring, orientation to local activities, French Club, nationality dinners, and concerts. IHRI is a member supported organization with additional funding sources coming from foundations, grants, and donations. Membership is open to the public and benefits include access to all programming as well as discounts for dinners, language classes, trips, and many other events.