Naw-Ruz Proclamation
WHEREAS:   Naw-Ruz occurs on the first day of Spring-something celebrated as a triumph over the barren winter for over 15,000 years, since before the last Ice Age;  and

WHEREAS:   The word Naw-Ruz itself literally means "new day" in Persian (Farsi) language and the festival marks the beginning of the solar year as well as the new year on many Middle Eastern and several other national and cultural calendars;  and

WHEREAS:   At its core, the Naw-Ruz festival celebrates the awakening of the natural life. This awakening symbolizes the beginning of the solar year as a time of renewal and joy:  and

WHEREAS:   Unlike many other festivals, it is not exclusive to one religious group and is similar to the Christian Easter celebration and a multitude of others that use many symbols to indicate spring and renewal;  and

WHEREAS:   Celebrations are very symbolic of the age-old tribute to opposing forces...the triumph of good over evil, of endings and new beginnings, of light and darkness, bondage and liberation:  and

WHEREAS:   Naw-Ruz represents much of what human character, history, politics and religion are all about. For centruires, many cultures and nationsl have applied the Naw-Ruz spirit to every dark challenge that has come their way;  and

WHEREAS:   That spirit has made Naw-Ruz far more than just a New Year celebration.

NOW, THEREFORE I, JOHN D. ELLENBECKER, Mayor of the City of St. Cloud, Minnesota, do hereby proclaim March 2003 as Naw-Ruz month.  I challenge all citizens to renew their minds and spirits, to triumph good over evil, and to celebrate new beginnings.


<signed>

John Ellenbecker
Mayor City of St. Cloud
Signed March 3, 2003


---------
Return to: Jordan Institute
Visit the Baha'i News Archives' for the latest Baha'i related news from around the globe.
URL: http://uga_edu_proxy_target.cc.uga.edu/bahai/JordanInstitute/proc2003.html