Reflection on Norus

Norus: Reflecting on Spring Rituals

         Spring is celebrated and acknowledged in different ways around the world.  When I was a child one of the most important celebrations of spring was Norus. Norus is the Persian New Year. It is an ancient Zoroastrian holiday celebrated with rituals and traditions that focus on the beginning and end of life, rebirth, and good and evil in the world. For those who celebrate Norus, it is a holiday that provides an opportunity to take a break from the life’s routine; to take stock; to reflect; to make amends for past misdeeds; and to clean and organize one’s physical, social, and psychological spaces.

          With age, this season takes on new meanings, the passing of time becomes more and more a time of reflection and reminiscence. In preparation for Norus, we clean and organize our houses, take care of money matters and attempt to deal with unfinished business. We plant flowers and seeds, buy new clothes,  repair household items and furniture, give gifts, make charitable donations.

The New Year begins at the exact moment of spring. Families gather around a special New Year table, the “haf-sin.” This table is spread with a cloth and arranged with items that represent the seasons of life. Special prayers, asking for health and happiness in the coming year, are read. At least seven different kinds of foods are placed on the haf-sin table. Each begins with the S called sin in Farsi. The foods are symbolic of life, health, wealth, abundance, love, patience, and purity. Sabzee ( wheat or lentil sprouts) represents rebirth; samanu (a creamy pudding made from wheat germ is regarded as purity) seeb (an apple) symbolizes health and beauty; senjid (dried fruit represents love) sir (garlic) is seen as medicinal and represents health; somagh (the sumac berry) is the color of sun and suggests the victory of good over temptations and evil, and serkeh (vinegar) or wine, represents  old age and patience.

Special New Year meals include rice with herbs “Sabzi polo,” fish, and Ash, a soup dish made from spinach and herbs, to which noodles are added for the New Year. The round shape of the noodles symbolizes the cycle and renewal of life. The first twelve days of the New Year is an important time. Shops are closed. Relatives visit each other, beginning with visits to elders. Children receive new money or eidi as New Year presents.

In Iran on the last Wednesday of the year (chahar shanbeh suri) bonfires are lit in public places. These fires represent enlightenment and happiness in the coming year. People of all ages leap over the flames, shouting and asking for health, happiness, and beauty; it is believed that this is a night when one’s ancestors visit. It is also a night to expel evil spirits and bring in good spirits. By the light of the bonfire, people, especially young boys, run through the streets banging pots and pans with spoons in order to beat out the last unlucky days of the old year. Like Halloween in the U.S., they knock on doors to ask for treats. In order to make wishes come true, special foods are baked and distributed, especially for older people and for those in need. Dried nuts, fruits, pistachios, roasted chick peas; almond, hazelnuts, figs, apricots, and raisins are mixed together and given away for good luck.

          On the 13th day of New Year, sizdeh bedar, it is considered unlucky to stay indoors. Accordingly, it is a day for picnicking. Windows and doors are left open in empty houses so that evil spirits and bad luck can be swept out with the fresh air. During the picnic, sabzee or greens grown from wheat or lentil seeds on the half-sin table are thrown into a stream or river or other running water to symbolize the passing of life and to remove bad luck from past deeds. After the 13^th day, one is rested and  renewed with new hope. The routine of life begins again.

          My Norus reflections this year lead me to thoughts of self-compassion. During this time of social and political criticism it is useful to think of compassion for others and ourselves. How can we view ourselves more kindly? This question is being addressed by psychologists. Sometimes it is easier to be supportive and understanding of others as we treat ourselves harshly by focusing on failures like being self-focused, unkind, over-indulgent.  Psychological research suggests that “giving ourselves a break” and accepting our imperfections may be the first step toward better health and happiness and even toward a better acceptance of the imperfections of others. People who score high on tests of self-compassion have less depression and anxiety in their lives, and tend to be happier and more optimistic. Researchers suggest that taking “compassion breaks,” meditating by repeating a  mantra like “I’m going to be kind to myself as well as others,” brings positive results. Self-compassion consists of self-kindness, common humanity (seeing ourselves as part of a larger human experience) and mindfulness.     

    

          The rites and rituals of Norus, honoring elders, organizing our lives; planting and gardening; walking in nature; having a picnic; reflecting and reminiscing; are also ideal for also developing self- compassion.  Make Norus a time of giving, a time of generosity to others and yourself, reflect on the past, be mindful about the present, resolve past conflicts, make plans for the future. Take time out to meditate and reminisce. Reminiscence can lead to making sense of past experiences, integrating the past with the present, (Who was I then) with (Who am I now). It can help us resolve past conflicts, help us shed past burdens and concerns, develop new purpose in life, make us happier and more satisfied with our connections and relationships.