Celebrations > Norooz > NOROOZ BANNERS FOR THE CITY OF IRVINE BY MARIAM HOSSEINI
Support the Orange County Banner Initiative!
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Norooz is the traditional Persian New Year holiday celebrated throughout Middle Eastern and Central Asian areas including Iran, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkey, Georgia, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Kurdistan. Norooz is probably the oldest institution cherished by all people of Persian heritage regardless of their ethnicity. Norooz is observed in its full glory in Persian households all over America, and now for the first time in history, an American city is putting up banners to do the same!
The City of Irvine has installed 50 banners on Culver between freeways 5 and 405 and they will be on display from March 16 until April 2. Network of Iranian American Professionals of Orange County (NIPOC) helped procure the license while Saeed Danosian designed the banners pro bono. The newly formed PARSA Community Foundation, www.parsacf.org, is helping raise funds for banner production and installation.
One of the banners gives a glimpse of Haft Seen, the traditional Norooz display, while the other cites ancient Persian values of “Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds.”
'Persian New Year marks the first day of Spring, a great time to renew our commitment to our heritage and carry its message of tolerance and benevolence to other communities,' said Mariam Khosravani, a community leader and Commissioner of City of Irvine.
While the 2000 U.S. Census counts 431,000 Iranian Americans, some groups have estimated the number to be as high as one million. The 30-year old community boasts one of the most educated and financially accomplished immigrant groups with high concentrations in southern and northern California, Texas, New York, Washington D.C., Boston, Chicago, and Florida.
'Irvine is acknowledging the contributions of Iranian Americans by honoring our traditions and encouraging the larger community to partake in Norooz's festive spirit,” says Noosheen Hashemi, Chairman of PARSA Community Foundation. We hope Irvine paves the way for many more cities to embrace and enjoy Norooz.'
PARSA is the first Persian community foundation in the U.S. and the leading Persian philanthropic institution practicing strategic philanthropy and promoting social entrepreneurship around the globe. Managing the largest independent endowment fund dedicated to Persian philanthropy, PARSA provides tax-advantaged vehicles to donors and makes grants to nonprofit organizations.
PARSA invites supporters of the Orange County Banner Initiative to contribute and follow up with an email to info@parsacf.org indicating that their contribution is designated to this cause.
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