Norooz part 1: Prelude to Persian New Year and Charshambeh Souri

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In Episode #22, co-hosts Bita and Beata give an overview of the Persian New year including when it is, the symbolism around this important holiday, and some of the rituals around preparing for the customary 13 days of festivities.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">What is Norooz (also spelled Nowruz, Norouz, etc.):  direct translation from Farsi is “New Day”.  Also referred to as Eid or Aid Norooz.  A Persian New Year celebration (the new year based on the solar calendar) and tradition originating in Zoroastrian times almost 4000 years ago. This year the new year will be the year 1400!</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When is the Persian new year?</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">The Persian New Year falls on the first day of spring at the exact moment of the vernal equinox (typically falling somewhere between March 19th and 21st in our northern hemisphere).  This year, in 2021, the exact time of Persian New Year is 2:37:28 AM, Saturday March 20, 2021 (PST)</span></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">What is the meaning behind Persian New Year?</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Renewal, cleansing, growth, healthy, spreading love, hope</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Family - paying respects to older family and friends</span></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Customs and rituals taking place in preparation for the turning of the new year</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Spring cleaning and cleansing of home mind, body, and soul</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Shopping for a fresh new outfit, shoes, clothes to be worn on Norooz for good luck</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span styl