Hi!
Many nations celebrate New Year. It is the start of a new
chapter. It is usually the time of new promises and remembering of the good
memories one had in the last year. However, the New Year celebration time is a
little different in many nations. It is New Year time in Afghanistan so I
thought it is not a bad idea to give some information about it.
Basically there are three systems of calendar and date
keeping in the world: Solar, Lunar and luni-solar. Solar is based on earth
revolving around sun and creating the four seasons. Lunar is based on revolving
of moon. Luni-solar has the characteristics of both but it somehow leaned to
solar. Solar system has two famous
calendars: Persian and Western or Georgian.
Lunar is mostly used in Islamic Countries. Luni-Solar is mostly used in
China and India as traditional calendars.
Afghanistan is following Solar Calendar. The New Year (1st
of Hamal) coincides with 21st March.
As anywhere else in the world, there are celebrations across the
country. There are concerts and shows all over. There are two things specific
which are not in other countries. First, there is a special dish called Haft
Miwa. It actually means seven fruits. Two nights before the New Year, women
gather seven types of fruit and put them in warm water. At the day of New Year,
it becomes a very tasty drink and people offer it to their guests. The second
tradition is that women go out and step on green grass. This is a sign of
spring coming. In addition, it is believed that the entire year you will be happy
and fresh as the green grass.
The rest of the celebrations are the same as in other parts
of the world. Hope you all enjoyed it.
Regards,
Javid
Javid!! Happy New Year to you as well. I completely forgot about the haft mawa- i think because I never thought it tasted good..hahaha I hope you have an amazing New Year- thanks again for the well wishes
ReplyDeleteYeah Zari, it does taste good. You should try it.
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