Washington DC, 21 March 2023 (TDI): President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden have released a statement extending their heartfelt greetings to all those observing Nowruz, the Persian New Year, on behalf of the United States (US).
Jill and I – along with Kamala and Doug – are honored to host a new national tradition: the first Nowruz reception of this scale ever to be held at the White House. pic.twitter.com/mGExc9qFuW
— President Biden (@POTUS) March 21, 2023
As the White House prepares to celebrate this joyous occasion, the Bidens express their sincerest wishes for a happy and prosperous year ahead to everyone around the world marking this special day
Nowruz is a celebration that’s been a millennium in the making, observed by millions of people around the world today.
It’s a start of a new year that reminds us of the hope that lies ahead – even in the darkest of times.
Happy Nowruz to all who celebrate.
— President Biden (@POTUS) March 20, 2023
In a statement issued on the occasion, President extend heartfelt greetings to everyone in the US and beyond, from the Middle East to Europe, and Central and South Asia to the Caucasus.
As the Nowruz holiday brings families and friends together around the Haft-Sin table, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect on the past year and renew their hope for the year ahead.
The Bidens are thrilled to welcome the season of spring, with its promise of new growth and possibilities. To celebrate their hope for the new year, they adorned the Haft-Sin table at the White House with beautiful decorations.
For more than 300 million people across the world, Nowruz marks the beginning of spring, the renewal of nature, and the welcoming of a positive and healthy new year. The Biden-Harris Administration wishes everyone celebrating a happy Nowruz! pic.twitter.com/51yRs6qbHr
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 20, 2023
The recent celebration of Nowruz at the White House was an important event that underscored the commitment of President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff to recognizing and honoring the cultural traditions of all Americans. Nowruz, which marks the beginning of spring and the start of the Persian New Year, is a time of renewal, hope, and unity.
At the White House, the celebration of Nowruz was a vibrant and colorful affair, with the Haft-Sin table taking center stage. The table, which is adorned with seven items that begin with the Persian letter “sin,” represents seven aspects of life and is an integral part of the Nowruz festivities. The Bidens and the Harrises, accompanied by Emhoff and his wife, decorated the table with great care, ensuring that each item was in its rightful place.
As the guests gathered around the table, the Bidens and the Harrises spoke about the significance of Nowruz and its importance in celebrating the cultural diversity of the American people. The Vice President also shared a message of hope and unity, highlighting the fact that Nowruz is a time to come together and to look forward to the possibilities of the year ahead.
In light of the challenges faced by families around the world during these trying times, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden recognized the struggles of women in Iran who are fighting for their human rights and fundamental freedoms. Despite facing great adversity, these brave individuals continue to inspire the world with their conviction and courage.
The Biden administration remains steadfast in its commitment to standing with Iranian citizens and holding their officials accountable for any attacks against their own people. Through their actions and words, the Bidens have made it clear that the United States will not tolerate any abuse of human rights or violations of fundamental freedoms.
Looking ahead, the Bidens emphasized the significance of the Nowruz holiday and the hope it brings for a better future.
They expressed their desire for a world where all people are treated with dignity and respect, and where cultural diversity is celebrated rather than suppressed. In this way, the celebration of Nowruz serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and solidarity in the face of adversity.
This year, let Nowruz’s message of hope reach those who need it most. We continue to stand with the women and men of Iran who are inspiring the world. https://t.co/lpQqR3g68x
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) March 20, 2023
Significance of Nowruz
For the record, Nowruz is an ancient festival celebrated by more than 300 million people around the world, primarily in Iran, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and other Central Asian countries.
The word “Nowruz” means “new day” in Persian and signifies the beginning of the Persian new year. The festival usually takes place on the vernal equinox, which falls on March 20th or 21st each year.
To mention, Nowruz is a time for families and communities to gather and celebrate the arrival of spring, the renewal of nature, and the start of a new year.
Also, it is a time of cleaning and purifying homes and surroundings, buying new clothes, exchanging gifts, and preparing special food for the Haft-Sin table, which includes seven symbolic items representing health, wealth, love, wisdom, and other virtues.
Beyond the traditional festivities, Nowruz also serves as a symbol of unity and diversity among different cultures and religions.
In other words, it has been celebrated for over 3,000 years and reflects the deep connection between people and nature, the cyclical nature of life, and the importance of community and family.
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In recent years, Nowruz has gained increasing recognition as an international cultural event, with celebrations taking place in many cities across the world.
Ultimately, the United Nations has declared March 21st as the International Day of Nowruz, recognizing its cultural significance and contributions to peace and solidarity among nations.
