Speech： Happy Norooz 2578 (2019)
Episode Stats
Summary
Today marks the first day of spring. To millions of Iranians around the world, including myself, today is National Day of Noruz, which translates into New Spring. At its core, this 3,000-year-old celebration marks the rebirth of nature, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
Transcript
00:00:06.000
However, to millions of Iranians around the world, including myself, today is also Noruz,
00:00:13.000
Noruz originated over 3,000 years ago and is hundreds of years older than the Great Pyramid of Giza.
00:00:19.000
In 2009, Noruz was inscribed on UNESCO's representative list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity.
00:00:26.000
Humanity, and in 2010, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed March 21 as International
00:00:34.000
On Noruz, millions of Iranians from around the world in all walks of life, irrespective
00:00:38.400
of religion, age, language, gender, race, ethnicity or social status, gathered together
00:00:44.360
with family, friends and loved ones to celebrate the new year.
00:00:47.760
At its core, this 3,000-year-old celebration marks the rebirth of nature, symbolizing the
00:00:55.460
Noruz represents much of what Iranian character, history, and culture are all about.
00:01:00.740
According to historians, our modern-day Noruz celebrations were solidified during the reign
00:01:05.520
of the Sassanid emperors, starting with Ardashir I.
00:01:09.400
Emperor Ardashir and his descendants formed the last great Persian Empire before the advent
00:01:15.640
Noruz is a secular celebration and has other joyful and interesting traditions.
00:01:20.200
To everyone celebrating Noruz in Carleton, Ontario, and around the globe, I wish you