CITY OF COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA
radamation
WHEREAS, Nowrüz (pronounced no-rooz) originated in ancient Persia more than 3,000 years ago and marks the traditional Persian New Year beginning on the vernal equinox and celebrates the arrival of spring; and
WHEREAS, Nowrüz is a combination of two Persian words: the first, now, means new, and the second, "ruz," means day; together they mean "new day," which commemorates the New Year for many Persian and Central Asian communities all over the world; and WHEREAS, the "new day" symbolizes a commitment to springtime renewal, peace, and overall solidarity between generations, families, and communities; and WHEREAS, Nowrüz is celebrated on the exact day of the astronomical Northward equinox, which occurs on March 20 or the following day where it is observed; and WHEREAS, these festivities last over 13 days and begin on the eve of the first Wednesday of the year; it is a secular holiday that is enjoyed by people of various faiths around the world and is surrounded by many rituals and celebrations that have taken on various interpretations; and WHEREAS, during Nowrüz, people wear new clothes, visit family, reconnect with community members, forgive past wrongs, and exchange gifts as a sign of peace and friendship; and WHEREAS, after thousands of years in the making, Nowrüz remains beloved, universal, and deeply embedded in Persian culture; and
WHEREAS, while Nowrüz is celebrated and observed principally in Iran, the traditions of Nowrüz are strong among people in Afghanistan, Iraq, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, India, Pakistan, Turkey, Canada, and the United States; and WHEREAS, the Persian community that calls California home contributes to the strength and diversity of our City and State; and
CITY OF COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA
NOW, THEREFORE, I, John B. Stephens, Mayor of the City of Costa Mesa, do hereby proclaim March 21, 2022, as "Nowrüz Day." Let us join the Persian community and other Nowrüz celebrators and wish them a prosperous new year ahead.
DATED this fifteenth day of March 2022.
John B. Stephens, Mayor of City of Costa Mesa