Preparations for Welcoming Nowruz: Sabzeh, Khane tekani, Kharid-i Nowruz Preparation for the Nowruz begins early in March with sprouting of Sabzeh (lentil, wheat, or barley seeds) on plates (sometimes in specially shaped plates) and a thorough khane tekani (house cleaning). Sabzeh harks back to the agrarian background of the Iranian tribes that celebrated the main transitions in the climate that dictated the dynamics of their lives. Khane tekani (lit. Shaking the house) is an ancient tradition of spring cleaning and entails washing carpets, painting the house, and cleaning the yard and the attic, stems from the Zoroastrians preoccupation with cleanliness as a measure for keeping Evil away from the kingdom of Good. Symbolically, Khane tekani signals to the spirits of the ancestors that their kin are ready and willing to entertain them. In other words, they are invited to descend on their previous homes to help them nourish the growth of the sabzeh, the main source of their sustenance which has been depleted during the long and cold days of winter. Kharid-i Nowruz The sprouting of seeds and house cleaning are followed by kharid-i Nowruzi (Nowruz shopping). Nowruz shopping, a family affair performed mostly to engage the children in the celebration, must include all the members. Everyone must be measured and outfitted with new clothes, shoes, hats, and the like. In addition, as we shall see below, the sofreh (Nowruz display cloth) requires certain items—sweetmeats, confectioneries, candles, fruits, and nuts-which are also bought at this time. In addition to what is bought, women of the household bake various types of sweet breads and sew special clothes for the little ones. At the end a trip must be made to the bank for acquiring shiny, new coins and crisp, fresh banknotes to give out as eydi (gift) and for the sofreh.
Posted on: Fri, 07 Mar 2014 23:44:46 +0000
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