Australians celebrate Norouz
Thursday, 20 March 2008
As thousands of Australians tomorrow celebrate the ancient new year festival of Norouz, the Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs, Laurie Ferguson, wished the communities a happy new year.
'Norouz means ‘new day’ in Persian and has been celebrated for more than 3000 years by people from many countries and faiths, such as Baha’i and Zoroastrian,' Mr Ferguson said.
'This festival celebrates continuity, tradition and the evolution of a new path in life. It is not only the bridge between the old and new year, it is a symbolic victory of light over darkness,' he said.
In Eastern countries the new year celebrations begin on the first day of spring and can last two weeks. Celebrations are family-oriented and people prepare by spring cleaning their houses and visiting family and relatives.
The new year is also the most important day in the Kurdish calendar. The festival, known as Newroz, has an important place in the identity of Kurdish people as they light fires symbolising their freedom.
'In celebrating the new year, people gather together to also welcome the coming of spring, they wear coloured clothes and wave flags of green, yellow and red, the colours of the Kurdish people,' Mr Ferguson said.
'People from Afghanistan, Iran and other Eastern countries have been a part of our community for many generations and have become a part of the fabric of our nation.
'They have added to the prosperity and vitality of our nation, particularly through their contribution to medicine, business, the arts and media.
'I send my best wishes to all Australians who celebrate the new year at this time,' he added.
Media contact: Khaldoun Hajaj - 0404 078 692
URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/parlsec/media/media-releases/2008/lf08016.htm
Last update: 13 August 2008 at 17:14 AEST