Senate Resolution No. 2778

BY: Senator KAPLAN

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
March 20, 2020, as Day of Nowruz in the State of New
York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize
official days that are set aside to increase awareness and enhance the
profile of cultural diversity which strengthens the fabric of the
communities of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 20, 2020, as Day
of Nowruz in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance
of International Day of Nowruz; and

WHEREAS, The Persian New Year, Nowruz, meaning "New Day," begins
each year on the first day of spring marked by vernal equinox, or
Tahvil; on this day, which may occur on March 20th, 21st, or 22nd, the
sun crosses the celestial equator; and

WHEREAS, Of all Persian holidays, the New Year celebration is the
most important, embodying a wealth of ancient rites and customs, and
symbolizing the continuity of the ancient Persian culture which has
survived many adversities; and

WHEREAS, As far back as records go, Nowruz has been a celebration of
early spring, when the sun begins to regain strength and overcome
winter's cold and darkness, and when there is a renewal of growth and
vigor in nature; and

WHEREAS, A few days prior to the New Year, a special cover is spread
onto the carpet or table in every Persian household; this ceremonial
table is called cloth of seven dishes, each one beginning with the
Persian letter Sin; the number seven has been sacred in Persia since the
ancient times, and the seven dishes stand for the seven angelic heralds
of life-rebirth, health, happiness, prosperity, joy, patience, and
beauty; and

WHEREAS, The actual Nowruz ceremonies begin on the eve of the last
Wednesday of the outgoing year and is known as Chaharshanbe Souri, or
Red Wednesday; early in the evening several large bonfires are made and
each member of the family jumps over the fire; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, the jumping over the fire is followed by a
gathering in which nuts and fruits are served and stories are told;
while the party goes and the fire dies out, the ashes, a symbol of the
bad luck imposed by winter, are buried; and

WHEREAS, The traditional herald of Nowruz, Haji Firuz, oversees
celebrations for the New Year as a remnant of the ancient Zoroastrian
fire-keeper; his face is covered in soot and he is clad in bright red
clothes and a felt hat; and

WHEREAS, While ushering in Nowruz, Haji Firuz plays a tambourine and
sings as people gather around him and his troupe of musicians, spreading
good cheer and the news of the coming New Year; and

WHEREAS, The 13th day of Nowruz is called Sizdah Bedar, celebrated
by spending all day outdoors in nature having picnics and parties; and

WHEREAS, Day of Nowruz is a time to celebrate the aspirations and
values that have been shared with the Persian people for generations,
and to recognize the countless contributions of Americans and New
Yorkers of Persian descent to every aspect of society; now, therefore,
be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 20, 2020, as Day
of Nowruz in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.