An Iranian Traditional Party

The yard was washed and the house was cleaned up. The mother and the daughters were preparing the food in the kitchen. All the family anticipated the arrival of the guests. There was a knock on the door, the host went to open the door and greet the guests. The whole family welcomed the guests with expressions such as" You honored us" and "You made us happy" and ushered them into the reception room.

The guests sat around the room and the host entertained them with sharbat, (a drink made of fruit and sugar served with ice and water) or with tea. The hookahs were being prepared for smoking and meanwhile the guests enjoyed themselves by talking to each other in small groups.

Now it is the time for serving dinner. A quadrangular piece of cloth which is called sofre is spread on the carpet. Pieces of bread, dishes of herbs such as basil, mint, cumin, cloves, and coriander, plates, dishes of Iranian rice decorated with saffron are arranged on the sofre. Bowls of broth and stew, appetizers and desserts such as halva, dates, melon are brought too. Carafes of doogh (yogurt drink with ice) or sharbat are put on the sofre. Every one starts eating with the name of God and finishes it by saying:" Thanks God".
After dinner fruit and nuts are served and the talking will be resumed. When the party comes to its end the host sees the guests off and every one after spending such a good time returns to his/her home.

Tehran: The Heart of Iran

My hometown, Tehran, is located at the foot of Alborz mountain range and literally means "warm mountain slope". Because of its altitude of the sea level, Tehran has hot summers and cold winters. The city was once a small village but when Agha Mohammad Khan-e Ghajar came to the throne, it was selected as the capital of Iran. Ever after buildings, palaces and factories were built there and it became the major metropolis of Iran. Today Tehran with a population of about twelve million and its industrial and political units is considered as the most important city in Iran.
The first thing to be mentioned about the city is its people. The people in Tehran can be divided into three groups. The first group includes those men and women who were born in this city and live there. People who live in the suburbs but work in Tehran make the second group. The third and the greatest group include those citizens who were born somewhere else and came to Tehran in the request of something such as a better job or an ideal life. But all these three groups have one thing in common and that is their hostility and warm spirit.
Today Tehran is considered as the heart of Iran because of centralization of industrial, commercial and political units. There are several factories on the outskirts like automobile manufactories (e.g. Saypa and Irankhodro) and factories that produce cement and sugar. Furthermore new stores, departments and public buildings are being built here and there in the city. Since the Parliament and presidential palace are located in Tehran, most crucial decisions are made in this city. As a result it's not strange that Why Tehran has such importance among the cities of Iran.
Another thing to be mentioned about Tehran is the diversity of sightseeing choices which have caused it caters to tourists. The symbol of Iran and Tehran, Azadi (freedom) Tower with its marvelous architecture, is the first thing that catches foreigners' eyes. Milad tower which is among the tallest and most modern towers in the world can be another interesting choice to visit. Darake and Darband with their coffee-houses and streams which run among them are ready to entertain guests with their famous kebabs and doogh (a kind of drink). Because of the snowfall during the winter skiing resorts such as Dizin, Shemshak and Tochal are worth a visit. There are also many mosques, Imamzadehs (e.g. Imamzadeh Saleh and Shah Abdolazim) and palaces (e.g. Niavaran, Sa'dabad and Golestan) among the tourist attractions in Tehran.

In addition to all these conditions there is something special about the city which makes me to love it: Tehran is the first city in the world where I have tasted the life, felt it and touched it.

Golestan Palace

Khastegari: A Marriage Proposal

I think one of the interesting ceremonies in every culture is the wedding ceremony. In Iran this ceremony has some stages that are all beautiful and exciting. Some of these stages are: khastegari (proposing), Shirini khoran (engagement party), Balehboron, mehr, jahaz, hanabandan and other ceremonies. Here I will describe the first stage which is also the most nerve wracking one.

In traditional Iranian families, arranged marriage proceedings begin with khastegari, or formal marriage proposal. The suitor or the “Khastegar” accompanied by his parents, guardians or elder family members calls upon the bride’s family to ask for her hand in marriage. The bride’s family receives the guests warmly offering tea and sweets “Shirini”. In the olden days, when the couple did not know each other too well, they would be allowed to go on a date. It is always polite and respectful to ask the parents for the daughter’s hand in marriage. This stage is important for the following reasons: first, it’s critical to make sure she says “yes”; second, it sets the tone for many things to come, in particular some of the most exciting days of your life which will soon after follow; and third, it is probably the one experience you will remember for the rest of your life. Once the proposal has been accepted the other ceremonies are planned.

Link:
http://www.persianmirror.com

Approval of Bravery

Sitting beside the window, I was watching the charming scene before me. The stars were twinkling at me; the moonlight was shinning and spreading its rays upon the trees that were dancing in the cool breeze. I was so impressed by the beautiful scene that I had forgotten the time and place. Suddenly I heard a quarrel among my cousins that had divided into two groups: the girls and the boys. The subject of the quarrel was this: Which group is braver; the boys or the girls?" If you girls go to the end of the garden and spend one hour there, you will approve your bravery to us." That was the suggestion of one of the boys. The girls accepted the suggestion and invited me to accompany them. I wished I could reject their invitation, but my proud didn't let me.

Finally, the group of girls including two of my cousins, my sister and me parted the boys laughing and chatting. We had just left the home that my cousin started screaming, she had seen a frog and persisted returning to the home. Now our group had decreased to three persons nevertheless we continued our progress. At first, every thing was good till the clouds covered the moon and darkness engulfed us. Our legs had been paralyzed and we were unable to walk any longer. Our hands were trembling and our faces were white as yogurt. The cool breeze that now had turned to gale was howling like a hungry wolf and deafening us. The trees seemed so alive and their branches had been stretched like the hands of a blood thirsty trying to grab us. I was so afraid that I closed my eyes as tears shedding my face like a stream. When my cousin and my sister saw my situation, despite their will insisted on coming back." No, we should pass the test of bravery." I declared stubbornly. Anyway we continued our adventure by singing to forget our fears. That one hour passed for us like a year but the result of it was so good since we had overcome the boys and approved our bravery.

Of Music

Recently I read The Voice of the Master by khalil Gibran which I found it very interesting and excellent. I have chosen one part of the book about the music and I hope you enjoy it.

Divine Music!
Daughter of the Soul of Love

Vase of bitterness and of
Love

Dream of the human heart, fruit
of sorrow

Flower of joy, fragrance and
bloom of feeling

Tongue of lovers, revealer of
secrets

Mother of the tears of hidden love
Inspire of poets, composers,
architects

Unity of thoughts within fragments
of words

Designer of warriors, and strengtheners
of souls

O Music
In your depth we deposit our hearts
and souls
Thou hast taught us to see with our
ears
and hear with our hearts.

The Teacher of Teachers

All the streets and alleys are illuminated; here and there we can see people who offer sweets and flowers to the passer-bys. Every one is happy and celebrating this blessed feast. People congratulating each other and all the enmities are forgotten. But what is the reason of all these happiness? Because today is the birthday of Muslims Holy Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him). He brought with himself the message of bliss, brotherhood and equality for people from different races and nationalities. He taught us to be good creatures for our God and to do good deeds. He asked us to be honest, kind and merciful to whole people and to worship the God who is the creator of this universe with all its beauties. For this reason, I have chosen parts of a song by Sami Yusuf and I hope you enjoy it.

We once had a Teacher
The Teacher of teachers
He changed the world for the better
And made us better creatures
Oh Allah we've shamed ourselves
We've strayed from Al-Mu'allim
Surely we've wronged ourselves
What will we say in front of him?
Oh Mu'allim… (Teacher)


Ha was Mohammad salla Allah alayhi wa salam (peace be upon him and his family)
Mohammad, merci upon mankind,
Teacher of all Mankind.


He prayed while others slept
While other ate he'd fast,
While they would laugh he wept
Until he breathed his last,
His only wish was for us to be
Among the ones who prosper,
Ya Mu'allim peace be upon you,
Truly you are our teacher,
Oh Mu'allim…


He taught us to be just and kind
And to feed the poor and hungry,
Help the wayfarer and the orphan child
And not to be cruel and miserly,
His speech was soft and gentle,
Like a mother stroking her child,
His mercy and compassion,
Were most radiant when he smiled.

Traditions of Iran

Sofre-e Haft Sin

Norouz
As soon as the spring brings with itself the message of rebirth of the blooms, trees, flowers and nature, Iranian people celebrate Norouz holiday (New Year that occurs on the March 21st), their traditional festival which literally means "new day" .Every year in Esfand (the last month of Iranian solar year) when the nature prepares itself to put on its new clothes, the country is full of enjoyment and everyone prepares him/herself to welcome the new year. Before Norouz every family is engaged with Khane Tekani (cleaning of the house) and purchasing new clothes. When the hands of the clock is announcing the arrival of New Year the whole family array themselves in their best clothes and gather around Sofre-e Haft-Sin. The family starts the New Year with praying and asking the Lord a year full of bliss and health. Then they congratulate the coming of the New Year and offer gifts to each other. During the Norouz holiday people visit their relatives and friends (sele-e rahem) and wish everyday of their lives be as the Norouz and full of happiness.


Sofre-e Haft -Sin
During Norouz every family spread a special cover on the carpet or on the table as the beautifully as they can. This symbolic table of Norouz is called Sofre-e Haft-Sin and has a traditional and spiritual value. The Sofre-e Haft-sin consists of seven specific items which begin with the letter S or Sin in Persian. These symbolic items are:
sabzeh - wheat, barely or lentil sprouts growing in a dish - symbolizing rebirth
samanu - a sweet pudding made from wheat germ- symbolizing affluence
senjed - the dried fruit of Lotus tree - symbolizing love
sîr - garlic- symbolizing medicine
sîb - apples- symbolizing beauty and health
somaq – sumac berries - symbolizing (the color of) sunrise
serkeh - vinegar- symbolizing age and patience
Besides this items, painted eggs (fertility), coins (prosperity and wealth), a goldfish in a bowl (life), a mirror (the images and reflections of Creation as we celebrate anew the ancient Persian traditions and beliefs that creation took place on the first day of spring), and the Qur'an are placed on the table.
Other Customs in Iran

Sizdah Bedar
The thirteen day of the Norouz is called Sizdah Bedar. Most Iranian think that thirteen is an ominous number so in this day, they picnic in parks or on the country side in order to get rid of thirteen. Everyone tries to enjoy him/herself and clean the mind of all bad thoughts. At the end of this day is to, every family throw away the ''Sabzeh'' into running water and believe that by performing this action all of bad events which are in the path of the family would be collected. Another custom in this day is telling the Sizdah lie which is something like the lie of April 1st. Unmarried girls also tie the blades of grass in the hope of finding a good husband in the new year.



Chahar Shanbeh Suri
The night before the last Wednesday of the year is called Chahar Shanbeh Suri and is celebrated by Iranians. On this day people make fires by wood and jump over them as they sing and exchange the evil and paleness for the warmth of the fire. By serving different kinds nuts known as Ajîleh Moshkel Goshâ (The problem-solving nuts) people give thanks for the previous year's health and happiness and make wishes com true.

Link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norouz

What Do You Think About Hope and Bliss?

Everyone has a definition of hope and bliss. For me hope is a lighthouse in the middle of the stormy ocean of life which shows the direction of the salvation shore to the passengers who are on the ship of grief. But I can not find a clear meaning for bliss by myself alone. For me bliss is a world full of peace where everyone pays attentions to the others, the smile of an orphan child, the happiness of the people who live in this world and all the beautiful things that make the heart feel like a dove ringed with the azure world. What do you think about these two words? I have translated some speeches in definition to these words.

Hope
Hope is the mother of faith.
Hope is the drug that doesn't heal but makes the pain tolerable.
Hope is half of the bliss.
We should hope in our wit and endeavor not in the chance.
The Lord bestowed us hope and sleep to relieve our grief.


Bliss
The bliss and misery of the old age depend on our previous deeds.
The one who makes the others happy is the most blissful.
Small joys make the biggest bliss.
The key of our bliss is in the hand of our deeds, our thoughts and our speech.
The one who seeks the bliss in his/her house is the most blissful.
The one who thinks about the bliss is blissful.

Sa'di: The Nightingale of Shiraz

Sa'di's Mausleum in Shiraz

Sa'di, the nightingale of Shiraz, is a well-known Iranian poet who was born in Shiraz, the city of poetry and literature, near the end of the twelfth century. He is not famous just among Iranians but he is popular among people from all over the world. Although he wrote his works in Persian but he addresses all nations and all people by the enchantment of his language. He has twenty-four works and among them Gulistan, or the Rose Garden, and the Bustan, or the Perfume of Garden are the best. Gulistan is a collection of short pithy stories and maxims which are written both in prose and verse with delicacy and excellence. In Gulistan Sa'di states his experiences of life and world and indicates the ways to gain a perfect life. Sa'di's other famous work, Bustan, consists of ten chapters of didactic verse. The simplicity of Sa'di's language is the prominent features of his works so they are remained in the memories of Iranians and have sustained their excellence during centuries. That is why his mausoleum in the valley of Shiraz is being visited by his devotees centuries after his death.

Here are two stories from him, the first from Gulistan and the other from his Bustan.


Story

I have heard of an old doctor who said to a pupil, "If the minds of the children of men were as much fixed on the Giver of subsistence as they are on the subsistence itself, they would rise above the angels."


Thou wast by God then not forgotten when
Thou wast a seed –thy nature in suspense;
He gave thee soul and reason, wisdom, ken,
Beauty and speech, reflection, judgment, sense;
He on thy hand arrayed thy fingers ten,
And thy arms fastened to thy shoulders. Whence
Canst thou think, O thou most weak of men!
He'd be unmindful of thy subsistence?



Story of the Pearl. *(Translation by G.S.Davie)

From a cloud there descended a droplet of rain;
'Twas ashamed when it saw the expanse of the main,
Saying, "Who may I be, where the sea has its run?
If the sea has existence, I truly have none!"
Since in its own eyes the drop humble appeared,
In its bosom, a shell with its life the drop reared:
The sky brought the work with success to a close,
And a famed royal pearl from the rain-drop arose,
Because it was humble it excellence gained;Patiently waiting till success was obtained.

Parts of a Single Body

I want to start my web log with the following poem by Sa'di, one of the famous Iranian poets, which is inscribed on the entrance of the United Nation building in seven languages:

People are parts of a single body,
Who share the same essence in creation?
When a part is suffering from mishaps of time,
Other parts can not be indifferent,
If you are apathetic toward ailments of other people,
You can't be rightfully called a human being,

It is not important whether you worship in a mosque, in a temple, or in a church. It doesn't matter if you are rich or poor, if your skin is white or black, or if you speak Persian, Turkish, English, or Chinese. The color of skin, the nationality, the language and the religion does not make any difference in the essence of human being. You are all brothers and sisters, you are all the children of Adam and Eve, and you are all identical. All of you are the creatures of one Supreme Being who has bestowed you a treasure which is called heart. The heart, this divine gift, makes you sympathize with each other, feel happy when you see another's bliss, or get sad by another's misery. With sympathy you share your happiness and sadness with each other and reduce your grief and increase your joys. But the one who is indifferent toward the ailments of his brothers and sisters has locked himself in a world of solitude and does not deserve to be called a human being.