Gratitude Day 97 - Norouz

Number of times I should have switched the bracelet had I not forgotten it at home - many! First day back, had to catch up with everyone!  

Dear Friends,

From the culture I rejected long ago, I have kept only one tradition – Norouz. Today is Norouz (new day) - the Iranian New Year. 

From jumping over flames on the last Tuesday of the old year, to staying out all day on the 13^th day of the new year, I take a tremendous amount of pleasure in observing it all!

This year I have more cause for celebration – my two granddaughters are with me. Although they are too young to grasp the meaning of this ancient Persian tradition, I’m sure the sweet aroma of rose water, cinnamon and cardamom in baked goods, and the perfume of hyacinths blended with the distinct scent of wild rue that I will be burning to send the evil eye packing, will be stored somewhere in their olfactory memory box.

One day, they will tell their parents that they remember Grandmali holding a handful of esfand over their head while saying a prayer, and then tossing it into the flame of a single candle.

Rubbish - their parents would say - you were too young to remember your first Norouz with Grandmali! 

And I will be somewhere up there, smiling down at them, like my father is smiling down at us today. And so, traditions will live on, and with them the memory of loved ones who are gone.

Have a beautiful, memorable first day of spring everyone!