Chinese New Year and Nawroz
Muhsin Aziz (Upper Chitral)
Chinese New Year and Nawroz are two of the most significant cultural and traditional celebrations around the world. These two festivals mark the beginning of a new year and are celebrated with great enthusiasm and zeal by people belonging to different communities and cultures.
While Chinese New Year is celebrated in China and other East Asian countries, Nawroz is celebrated in Iran and other parts of Central Asia. Although these two festivals have different origins and traditions, they share many similarities. Let’s explore some of the similarities between Chinese New Year and Nawroz.
Lunar calendars
One of the most significant similarities between Chinese New Year and Nawroz is that both festivals are celebrated based on lunar calendars. Chinese New Year is celebrated on the first day of the Chinese lunar calendar, which usually falls between January 21 and February 20. Nawroz, on the other hand, is celebrated on the first day of the Persian solar calendar, which usually falls on March 21. The lunar calendars are based on the cycles of the moon, while the solar calendars are based on the cycles of the sun.
Cleaning and decorating
Another similarity between Chinese New Year and Nawroz is that both festivals involve cleaning and decorating the house. It is believed that cleaning the house before the festival brings good luck and prosperity for the coming year. People decorate their homes with traditional symbols and motifs. Red is the dominant color used in Chinese New Year decorations, as it is believed to ward off evil spirits. In contrast, Nawroz decorations involve flowers, mirrors, and painted eggs to symbolize the arrival of spring.
Special foods
Both festivals also involve special foods that are significant to the celebration. In China, it is customary to eat dumplings, spring rolls, and fish during the Chinese New Year. Dumplings symbolize wealth, while fish represents abundance. Similarly, in Iran and other parts of Central Asia, people prepare a special meal called haft-sin, which includes seven items that start with the Persian letter “sin” and symbolize different aspects of life. These items include apples (for beauty), garlic (for health), and coins (for wealth).
Family gatherings
Both Chinese New Year and Nawroz are occasions for families to come together and celebrate. Family gatherings are an essential part of both festivals, where people share meals, exchange gifts, and enjoy traditional activities and performances. It is a time for family members to reunite, reconnect, and strengthen family bonds.
Historical and Cultural Significance:
Both festivals have historical and cultural significance. Chinese New Year is believed to have originated in ancient China as a way to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck for the coming year. Nawroz has roots in ancient Persia and is celebrated by many people across Central Asia as a way to mark the beginning of spring and the start of a new year.
In conclusion, Chinese New Year and Nawroz are two significant festivals that share many similarities despite their different origins and traditions. Both festivals mark the beginning of a new year and are celebrated with great enthusiasm, involving cleaning and decorating, special foods, family gatherings, and historical and cultural significance. These similarities demonstrate the importance of traditions and cultural celebrations in bringing people together to celebrate their heritage and strengthen their bonds
ماضی قریب تک اپرچترال میں سالغیریک کے نام سے نئے سال کا تہوار فروری کے وسط میں منایا جاتا تھا۔ چینی نیا سال بھی فروری میں منایا جاتا تھا۔