Norooz, Persian New YearYear of 2567 (1387) - 7030 Ariaye

In harmony with rebirth of nature, the Persian New Year Celebration, or Norooz, always begins on the first day of spring, March 20th of each year। Norooz ceremonies are symbolic representations of two ancient concepts - the End and Rebirth. About 3000 years ago Persian's major religion was Zoroastrianism, named in honor of its founder Zoroaster, and arguably the world's first monotheistic religion. Zoroastrians had a festival called "Farvardgan" which lasted ten days, and took place at the end of the solar year. It appears that this was a festival of sorrow and mourning , signifying the end of life while the festival of Norooz, at the beginning of spring signified rebirth, and was a time of great joy and celebration. Norooz was officially acknowledged and named "Norooz" by mythical Persian emperor, Shah Jamshid, from Achaemenid Dynasty (500 BC). Ashaemenied created the first major empire in the region and built Persepolis complex (Takhte Jamshid) in the city of Shiraz. Norooz in Persian means "New Day" and brings hope, peace and prosperity to the world and has been celebrated among people regardless of ethnic background, political views or religion in many countries around the globe such as Iran, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Georgia, Iraq, Tajikistan, Syria ,Armenia and India. Some of the activities during Norooz are Spring cleaning, buying new cloths, painting eggs, family reunion, giving presents, visiting neighbors and friends and celebrating by having a picnic on the 13th day of Spring. Happy Norooz!

Iranian New Year, 1387, begins on Tuesday March 20, 2008

Hijaab "by fatimah"
You look at me and call me oppressed,Simply because of the way I'm dressed,
You know me not for what is inside,You judge the clothing I wear with pride,
My body is not for your eyes to hold,You must speak to my mind, not my feminine mould,
I'm an individual. I'm no man's slave,It's Allah's pleasure that I only crave,
I have a voice so I will be heard,For in my heart I carry His word,
"O ye women, wrap close your cloak,So you won't be bothered by ignorant folk".
Man doesn't tell me to dress this way,It's law from God that I obey,
Oppressed is something I'm truly not,For liberation is what I've got,
It was given to me many years ago,With the right to prosper, the right to grow,
I can climb mountains or cross the seas,Expand my mind in all degrees,
For God Himself gave us liberty,When He sent Islam, to you and me!

SILENT IN THE DARK "By Sarrah Chang "
So many words go unspoken, As we linger here in the dark. There is a thing or two I wish you to know, But all the words seem to slip away, As you tenderly wrap me in your embrace.

Still I wish I could find a way to say, I never thought dreams could come true Yet you showed me that they do, When you came into my life. You set my soul free, With every kiss we share. That from the moment I saw your face, These feelings washed over me Like a tidal wave agaist the jagged shore. Tell me you feel the same. Tell me there is nowhere else you would rather be. Then here at this momemnt in each others arms.

So many words go unspoken As we linger here in the dark। Trying to find a way to let the other know How wonderful life is here together silent in the dark.