On March 21, 2013 GWC’s Intercultural Program and the Peace Studies club celebrated the first day of Spring with a Nowruz display.
Nowruz marks the first day of spring and the beginning of the year in the Iranian calendar. It is celebrated on the day of the astronomical Northward equinox, which usually occurs on March 21 or the previous/following day depending on where it is observed. Nowruz is celebrated and observed in Iran and has spread in many other parts of the world, including parts of India, Central Asia, Caucasus, South Asia, Northwestern China the Crimea, and some groups in the Balkans. In Iran, Nowruz is an official holiday lasting for 13 days during which most national functions including schools are off and festivities take place.
The displays in the Student Center patio included the 7 elements of “Haft Chin”
- Mirror: Symbolizing SKY
- Apple: Symbolizing EARTH
- Candles: Symbolizing FIRE
- Golab: Rose water Symbolizing WATER
- Sabez: Wheat, barley or other sprouts Symbolizing PLANTS
- Goldfish: Symbolizing ANIMALS
- Painted Eggs: Symbolizing FERTILITY
Student also enjoyed music and snack offerings.
Happy Spring!
