Reader Report: Persian New Year event ushers in global goodwill

Iranian Americans are among one of the most successful and highly educated minorities in the U.S.

The biggest concentration of Iranian Americans is on the two coasts, mainly in New York and California. Perhaps one of the reasons for success is the family structure and support that one gets to work hard, be honest and truthful, and study as much as possible to become successful in life.

Another one is the respect for traditions and customs. This has been inherited from annals of history, dating back millennia, and gives Iranians a sense of identity.

One of these long-lasting and ever-fresh traditions that not only Iranians, but many other nations kept and followed in the Persian New Year, is known as NowRuz.

This is the most important event of the year on the Iranian calendar, one rooted in pre-Islamic Iran, and in Zoroastrianism, where the belief was, “Good thoughts, good words and good deeds” will always prevail.

Hence we need to build our lives based on the principles of being good and feeling good. And in this positive paradigm of joy, happiness and being constructive in life help in the forces of good overcoming the forces of evil.

NowRuz literally means “New Day,” the rejuvenation of planet Earth. It is a seasonal event that comes every year at the beginning of spring. And as long as there is a planet Earth, NowRuz arrives precisely at the exact moment, and thus is ever-fresh and ever-last.

And since it is rooted in joy, happiness, well-wishing and positive thinking, it is always welcomed by millions of people, generation after generation.

In the last few years, U.S presidents, regardless of administration, the secretary general of the United Nations and scores of national and international dignitaries, have participated and sent special messages and well wishes for NowRuz.

There are several parades in major cities, with the two of the largest in New York and Los Angeles. If you do an Internet search on “NowRuz parade,” you can see videos of many of these special parades in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Asia.

I believe there are many beautiful traditions coming from many great cultures, all concentrated in U.S., which in reality represents a mini-world. I also believe that it will help all of us if we try to understand each other’s cultures, and what is important for each one of us, and build a more enduring community based on friendship and respect for one another.

I also believe, specific to Persian culture, that few may know that a portion of the U.S. Constitution, mostly written by one of the great founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson, has been inspired by a popular book in historical, academic and leadership circles that was written by the famous Greek historian, Xenophon.

This book, of which Jefferson had two copies in Greek, is named by Xenophon as ‘Cyropaedia,’ i.e. the life of Cyrus, who was a ruler of Persia more than 2,500 years ago.

He brought us the first declaration of human rights in what is known as the “Cyrus Cylinder.” The original is kept in the British Museum with a replica at the U.N. in the Hall of Nations.

Cyropaedia was taught at West Point for many decades, as one of the educational materials for building leadership skills not based on the art of war, but on the art of wisdom.

It has been translated from Greek into Latin and then to many other languages. One English version has been superbly translated by Larry Hedrick, a former Air Force officer and current military historian, and I highly recommend that you read it.

The Cyropaedia of Xenophon is a proof that the ancient Persian culture was rooted in humanity and after several millennia, has not been changed. You can see it when you hear about the Iranian people’s hospitality and kindness and see it for yourself in their gatherings.

And one of the best places for that is the yearly NowRuz festival celebrated at noon Sunday at the Rose Garden in the Bill Barber Community Park, 4 Civic Center Plaza in Irvine.

This yearly event is planned, managed and conducted by Iranian American Community Group of Orange County, an umbrella organization of 15 other Iranian associations, led by Shiva Farivar.

This NowRuz event festival, like many others, is all-inclusive and open to everyone. Come on over midday, have some Persian food, see some classical dances and hear age-old traditional and contemporary music. Enjoy the entertainment and have a good time.

For more information visit IAC-Group.org.

As our ancestors did in their prayers, we wish you, your loved ones, and all the people of the world, health, happiness, joy, love, peace and harmony in the New Year.

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day. Happy Easter. And happy NowRuz.

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K.E. MEHRFAR lives in Corona del Mar.