UN International Nowruz Day, 21 March /Fouad Kronfol

As we approach the 21 March solstice many of our colleagues will be celebrating Nowrooz, the Feast of the "New Day". This first day of spring is an important recognition of the "new beginnings" of nature especially in the northern hemisphere. As one who grew up in Iran this feast has always been one of my favorite celebrations. I recall some of the manifestations of it being the decorations set up in each family of a selection of items whose names start with 'seen" the letter S in Farsi. It is commonly known as "Haft Seen" or seven S's, like an apple, for example, which is called "Seeb".The article below is a good introduction to what Nowrooz stands for. Fouad

What is Nowruz and why do we celebrate it?

The word Nowruz (Novruz, Navruz, Nooruz, Nevruz, Nauryz), means new day; its spelling and pronunciation may vary by country.

Nowruz marks the first day of spring and is celebrated on the day of the astronomical vernal equinox, which usually occurs on 21 March. It is celebrated as the beginning of the new year by more than 300 million people all around the world and has been celebrated for over 3,000 years in the Balkans, the Black Sea Basin, the Caucasus, Central Asia, the Middle East and other regions.

Inscribed in 2009 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as a cultural tradition observed by numerous peoples, Nowruz is an ancestral festivity marking the first day of spring and the renewal of nature. It promotes values of peace and solidarity between generations and within families as well as reconciliation and neighbourliness, thus contributing to cultural diversity and friendship among peoples and different communities.

Nowruz plays a significant role in strengthening the ties among peoples based on mutual respect and the ideals of peace and good neighbourliness. Its traditions and rituals reflect the cultural and ancient customs of the civilizations of the East and West, which influenced those civilizations through the interchange of human values.

Celebrating Nowruz means the affirmation of life in harmony with nature, awareness of the inseparable link between constructive labour and natural cycles of renewal and a solicitous and respectful attitude towards natural sources of life.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres's message

Dear friends,

Each year, Nowruz marks a new beginning. Last year, the Nowruz celebration coincided with the early days of an unprecedented and devastating global pandemic. This year, the Nowruz spirit is more vital than ever. Solidarity between communities and generations is more crucial than ever. ur promise in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to leave no one behind is more essential than ever. Today, we can start to see light at the end of the tunnel.

As the world comes together to defeat COVID-19, Nowruz serves as an inspiration to recover and rebuild in a more just and durable way, in harmony with nature. I offer my best wishes to everyone marking Nowruz. May this day advance happiness, health and harmony to all.

Background

International Nowruz Day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly, in its resolution A/RES/64/253 of 2010, at the initiative of several countries that share this holiday. Under the agenda item of “culture of peace”, the member states of Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Albania, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkey and Turkmenistan prepared and introduced a draft resolution (A/64/L.30) entitled "International Day of Nowruz" to the ongoing 64th session of the General Assembly of the United Nations for its consideration and adoption.

In the 71st plenary meeting on 23 February 2010, The General Assembly welcomed the inclusion of Nowruz in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization on 30 September 2009.

It also recognized 21 March as the International Day of Nowruz, and invited interested Member States, the United Nations, in particular its relevant specialized agencies, funds and programmes, and mainly the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, and interested international and regional organizations, as well as non-governmental organizations, to participate in events organized by States where Nowruz is celebrated.

Resources

GA Resolution declaring the day A/RES/64/253
UNESCO Intangible Heritage listing
Astana Declaration (A/63/512)
Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage
Declaration of Athens – The heritage of ancient civilizations: Implications for the modern world (A/54/60)
Declaration for Promoting Dialogue and Mutual Understanding among Religions and Civilizations (A/62/553)
Declaration of the Principles of International Cultural Cooperation
GA resolution recognizing 21 March as the INternational Day of Nowruz (A/RES/64/253)
Global Agenda for Dialogue among Civilization (A/RES/56/6)
Outcome document of Phnom Penh Dialogue 2008 on Interfaith Cooperation for Peace and Harmony (A/62/949)
Perth Declaration (A/64/543)
Tehran Declaration on Dialogue among Civilizations (A/54/116)
The 2005 World Summit Outcome
The Madrid Declaration issued by the World Conference on Dialogue (A/63/499)
Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity
UN Alliance of Civilizations

Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

Nowruz was inscribed in 2016 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. New Year is often a time when people wish for prosperity and new beginnings. An important tradition practised during this time is the gathering around ‘the Table’, decorated with objects that symbolize purity, brightness, livelihood and wealth, to enjoy a special meal with loved ones. Gifts are exchanged, especially for children, featuring objects made by artisans. There are also street performances of music and dance, public rituals involving water and fire, traditional sports and the making of handicrafts.

 

Related Observances

International Day of Living Together in Peace
World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development
International Day of the Celebration of the Solstice
International Day of Yoga
International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples
International Day of Non-Violence
International Day for Tolerance

Why do we mark International Days?

International days and weeks are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity. The existence of international days predates the establishment of the United Nations, but the UN has embraced them as a powerful advocacy tool. We also mark other UN observances.