"Haft Seen," The Seven S Spread

In line with the Naw-Ruz tradition of setting up a haft seen, Shahrzad went all out this year and set up this wonderful spread. This Naw-Ruz, our spread was adorned with the picture of the late Mr. Saririan who has been visibly missed. The seven S spread has many components, each symbolizing a wish for the new year. Youth, health, fertility, and prosperity include some of the symbolism of this ancient spread. Here are a few pictures of the hard work Shahrzad endured in the making of the Naw-Ruz spread!

Naw-Ruz, the Vernal Equinox

Yesterday, at precisely 17:07 Arizona time, the Sun crossed the equator, marking the beginning of the Spring and Naw-Ruz, a holy day on which work is to be suspended for the people of Baha. Naw-Ruz is the beginning of new year in many countries including Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Azerbaijan. It is also celebrated by the Kurds in Iran, Turkey, and Iraq.

The Holy Days Committee of Scottsdale had a glorious celebration last night in honor of Naw-Ruz. More than 400 people were in attendance. I have attached a copy of the program here. Happy Naw-Ruz to all. Shahrzad and I wish everyone a prosperous year filled with continued health, joy, and exultation!

Beware the Ides of March

On the Ides of March (or March 15), 44 B.C., Julius Caesar was assassinated, at the foot of a statue of Pompey where the senate was meeting. In his famous play, Shakespeare wrote of the warning given to Caesar before the date by a seer. In his 1798 rendition of the event entitled "Mort de César," Vincenzo Camuccini painted the image of the foreboding doom for Caesar, pictured below.

But the Ides of March has yet another significance for Shahrzad and I. This year, the ides of March will mark our fourth anniversary. We are planning a dinner at a fancy place in downtown Scottsdale. To my beloved Shahrzad: I love you... And, yep! That is what we looked like 4 years ago!

30 Years Apart

I was recently pondering on the two pictures posted below. They have been taken thirty years apart in Tehran University. Which one do you think is the most recent? Hint: People did not have mobile phones 30 years ago!