WHEREAS, Nowrūz (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, Nowrūz 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” marks the beginning of spring, symbolizing a time for friendship, connection, vibrancy, hope, and renewal; and WHEREAS, Nowrūz 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 begin the first Wednesday of the year; it is a secular holiday enjoyed by people of various faiths around the world and is celebrated through many rituals that have taken on various interpretations; and WHEREAS, while Nowrūz is celebrated and observed principally in Iran, the traditions of Nowrūz are strong among people in Afghanistan, Iraq, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, India, Pakistan, Turkey, Canada, and the United States.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, John B. Stephens, Mayor of the City of Costa Mesa, do hereby proclaim March 21, 2023, as “Nowrūz Day.” I encourage all residents of the City of Costa Mesa to celebrate cultural diversity and learn about the holiday traditions of all people.
DATED this 21st day of March 2023.
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John B. Stephens, Mayor of the City of Costa Mesa