Source:
Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA)
Congresswoman Maloney Issues Statement on
Nowruz for the Congressional Record
 |
IN RECOGNITION OF NOWRUZ, IRANIAN NEW YEAR
______
HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY
of new york
in the house of representatives
Monday, March 23, 2009 |
Mrs.
Maloney of New York: I rise today in support of Nowruz, which marks the
traditional Iranian New Year and dates back more than 3,000 years. Nowruz,
literally meaning "new day," celebrates the arrival of spring and occurs on the
vernal equinox which this year happened on Friday, March 20th.
Through the ages Nowruz has provided the occasion for renewal and rejuvenation,
displaying new resolve in settling old issues, and making new beginnings. Nowruz
celebrates the core of our common humanity and our relation to Mother Nature.
Although colored with vestiges of Iran's Mazdian and Zoroastrian past, Nowruz
celebration is neither religious nor national in nature, nor is it an ethnic
celebration. Muslim, Jewish, Zoroastrian, Baha'i, and Christian Iranians as well
as many other peoples celebrate Nowruz with the same enthusiasm and sense of
belonging.
As an
original cosponsor of H. Res. 267, which recognizes the cultural and historical
significance of Nowruz, I am pleased that we are using this occasion to reflect
on the many contributions Iranian Americans have made to our society. I am proud
of the ethnically diverse district that I represent and greatly appreciate all
that Iranian Americans have added to the rich and varied culture of New York
City.
Recognizing the cultural and historical significance of Nowruz
and in its observance, I want to wish Iranian Americans and all those who
observe this holiday a happy and prosperous new year.
Congressman Waxman Issues Statement on Nowruz for the Congressional Record
|
RECOGNIZING THE
CELEBRATION OF NOWRUZ
______
HON. HENRY A. WAXMAN
of California
in the house of representatives
Monday, March 23, 2009 |
 |
Mr.
WAXMAN. Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize Nowruz,
a traditional Persian holiday taking place this week that celebrates the arrival
of spring. Dating back more than 3,000 years, Nowruz is observed by millions of
people of Persian descent in the United States, Iran, Iraq, Central Asia, and
many other regions of the world. The two-week holiday symbolizes renewal,
health, happiness, and prosperity. The holiday's ecumenical values are
celebrated by adherents of many religions including Islam, Judaism,
Zorastrianism, and the Bahai'i faith. It is considered a special time to share
with family and friends and honor cultural traditions.
Here in the United States, Nowruz serves to remind us of the many noteworthy and
lasting contributions of Iranian-Americans to the social and economic fabric of
American society. I am pleased to join Iranian-Americans in my congressional
district and others around the country and around the world in honoring this
special occasion.
Information about Norouz
and events across the globe
Persian New Year
1388
Articles on Norouz:
Norouz is a
Celebration of Life
Norouz : Persian
New Year
Norouz, the (Iranians) New Year and the Haft-Sin Symbolism
