Ban Ki-moon sends Nowruz message

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has sent a message on the occasion of the 1st International Day of Nowruz, the Persian New Year.

“The General Assembly's decision this year to recognize the International Day of Nowruz is evidence of a growing global awareness of the holiday's significance not only in the regions where it is celebrated but around the world," Ban said in his message.

During its 64th session on Feb. 23, 2010, the United Nations recognized March 21st as the International Day of Nowruz, calling on its Nowruz-celebrating member states to study the festival's "history and traditions with a view to disseminating that knowledge among the international community and organizing annual commemoration events."

In his Nowruz message, Ban also expressed his hope for the world to be harmonized with nature and restore global peace.

“As we commemorate this first International Day of Nowruz, I hope countries and people around the world will draw on this festival's history and customs to promote harmony with the natural world and foster global peace and goodwill,” his message read.

Nowruz rituals “from repainting homes to visiting friends to preparing symbolic meals, are infused with a spirit of renewal and can inspire not only those conducting them but all people."

Over 300 million people celebrate Nowruz around the globe, including the Balkans, the Black Sea Basin, the Caucasus, Central Asia and the Middle East.

For Iranians, Nowruz is a celebration of renewal and change, a time to visit relatives and friends, and pay respect to senior family members.

Iranians welcome the New Year by wearing new clothes and setting the Haft Seen, a table containing seven items starting with the letter 'S'; Sabzeh (freshly grown greens), Samanou (A type of traditional pudding), Senjed (Jujube), Seeb (Apple), Seer (Garlic), Sumac and Serkeh (vinegar).