Millions around the world welcome the new season every year with timeless cultural traditions that they believe will bring them glad tidings.
Spring, the happy season of renewed life, unfolds this weekend as the planet passes through the vernal equinox, with millions of people across the world from different cultures welcoming it in their own way.
Some with spring cleaning, some with songs and dance, and others with traditions that have lasted for thousands of years and are embroidered in timeless legends and myths.
Poised for a jump, Nasim Yazdani chants an ancient purification call and leaps over fire.
“Sorkhie to az man va zardie man az to!” asking the fire to give the jumper its healthy red color and take away the jumper’s sickly yellow pallor.
“This way you will have good health for a whole year,” says the Emirati, who regularly celebrates her Iranian roots by holding traditional Persian festivals at her home.
With piles of wood burning inside barbecue plate-like stands on the floor, Mrs Yazdani and her friends jumped over fire around sunset celebrating Chaharshanbeh Soori or Suri, where Chahar Shanbeh means Wednesday and Suri means red.
It takes place on the eve of the last Wednesday of the year (Tuesday night), a prelude to the bigger Norouz celebration.
“It means new day, and it welcomes spring and celebrates the beginning of a new year,” says the mother of two, living in Dubai.
For more than 3,000 years, Norouz, which is spelled various ways, including Novruz, Nowrouz and Nevruz has been celebrated across a vast geographical area covering, inter alia, Azerbaijan, India, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkey and Uzbekistan.
Celebrated on 21 March, a date originally set by astronomical calculations, Norouz is tied to various legends, such as that of King Jamshid, a mythological king of Iran, from the first dynasty of Aryan people.
It is said that this king, who is credited with building of Persepolis, had fought the dark and overwhelming winter, and when he had won, spring was born.
Others tie it to the Zoroastrian religion, one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions, founded by Prophet Zoroaster in ancient Iran approximately 3500 years ago. Zoroastrians are not fire-worshippers but rather believe that the elements are pure and that fire represents God’s light or wisdom. Besides the Zoroastrians, versions of Norouz is celebrated by Sufis, Ismailis, Alawites, and Baha’is.
“Its origin is not clear but its beautiful purpose is,” says Mrs Yazdani, who is a businesswoman with her trading company, Allstar.
“Norouz is a time to gather, remove all the negativity and sadness collected over the year, and start fresh, full of love, positivity and hope.”
Her son, Adnan, joined in the festivities and jumped the highest of the crowd.
“There is a very different side to Iran that most don’t see outside the daily news, such as its deep history, its various cultural traditions and its many bright happy festivals,” said the Emirati lawyer.
“The fact that many different cultures come to the UAE and can celebrate their heritage is what makes this place unique,” he said, who enjoys celebrating all the different national festivals as well as those related to his mother’s heritage.
“All holidays are about family and friends, and that is what makes them special.”
Norouz has been celebrated in the UAE for many years, both at home, and in public places like the Iranian Club, the parks, hotels, and restaurants preparing special food related to occasion.
In 2009, Norouz was inscribed on Unesco’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and then in 2010, the UN General Assembly recognized the International Day of Nowruz on March 21.
“Norouz promotes the values of peace and solidarity between generations and within families, as well as reconciliation and neighbourliness, thus contributing to cultural diversity and friendship among peoples and various communities,” is stated on Unesco site.
Besides fire-jumping rituals, there a special table that is set on this occasion, known as “sofreh-e haft sin” which means the table of the seven s’s or items that start with the Farsi letter of S or “seen” as it is pronounced.
“Each item has a special meaning, related to rebirth, reflection, health, prosperity and wealth,” explains Ms Yazdani, who had set up her own special table where instead of a gold fish, she had placed an apple in water to symbolize life and health.
“I don’t want to risk the fish’s life,” she says with a smile, where the gold fish swimming in water represents life within life.
Some of the items on her table include a mirror (symbolising cleanliness and honesty), candles (enlightenment and happiness), coins (wealth), garlic (health), vinegar (age and patience), Sonbol or Hyacinth plant (life), Samanu (a sweet traditional pudding made from germinated wheat that symbolizes affluence) and Sabzeh (freshly sprouting plants of lentil, barely or wheat growing in a dish related to rebirth).
Part of the rituals involve later throwing the newly-grown spurting plants in water, be it a lake, pond or sea.
Some other interesting items include sumac, symbolizing sunrise as well as decorated painted over eggs for each member of the family.
“It could be that this tradition has passed onto the west and became Easter eggs,” she said.
Other traditions known as Chaharshanbe Suri Ajil, where Ajil or Ajeel means mixed nuts and berries, where people wear disguises and go around the neighbourhood knocking on doors for treats, similar to trick or treating. Instead of sweets, they get the healthier treats Ajeel.
“Different phases have left different items on the table, for instance, there is always a holy book included, so some people put the Quran now on the table, while others put their own holy books or a book of poems, like Diwan Hafiz,” she said, adding how for instance instead of vinegar, some put wine.
“There are many stories and many beliefs. The family sits around the table and we pay special respect to the elders and reconnect with all our loved ones.”
With new year set at 2:45am on Saturday March 21, celebrations continue for 13 days after.
March 21 is also Mother’s Day in the Arab world, with possible links to welcoming spring related to mother nature and honouring her.
While there are many traditions and many celebrations related to seasons besides Norouz, keeping them alive is one of the things Mrs Yazdani does regularly.
“I want the world to see a different kind of Iran. Its ancient Persian past and its many customs from the different races and religions and tribes that live there,” she said, wishing everyone a Happy Norouz.
rghazal@thenational.ae
What are the influencer academy modules?
- Mastery of audio-visual content creation.
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Company%C2%A0profile
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Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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United States
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China
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UAE
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Japan
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Norway
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Canada
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Singapore
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Australia
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South Korea
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Company%20profile
%3Cp%3EName%3A%20Tabby%3Cbr%3EFounded%3A%20August%202019%3B%20platform%20went%20live%20in%20February%202020%3Cbr%3EFounder%2FCEO%3A%20Hosam%20Arab%2C%20co-founder%3A%20Daniil%20Barkalov%3Cbr%3EBased%3A%20Dubai%2C%20UAE%3Cbr%3ESector%3A%20Payments%3Cbr%3ESize%3A%2040-50%20employees%3Cbr%3EStage%3A%20Series%20A%3Cbr%3EInvestors%3A%20Arbor%20Ventures%2C%20Mubadala%20Capital%2C%20Wamda%20Capital%2C%20STV%2C%20Raed%20Ventures%2C%20Global%20Founders%20Capital%2C%20JIMCO%2C%20Global%20Ventures%2C%20Venture%20Souq%2C%20Outliers%20VC%2C%20MSA%20Capital%2C%20HOF%20and%20AB%20Accelerator.%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
RESULTS
Catchweight 82kg
Piotr Kuberski (POL) beat Ahmed Saeb (IRQ) by decision.
Women’s bantamweight
Corinne Laframboise (CAN) beat Cornelia Holm (SWE) by unanimous decision.
Welterweight
Omar Hussein (PAL) beat Vitalii Stoian (UKR) by unanimous decision.
Welterweight
Josh Togo (LEB) beat Ali Dyusenov (UZB) by unanimous decision.
Flyweight
Isaac Pimentel (BRA) beat Delfin Nawen (PHI) TKO round-3.
Catchweight 80kg
Seb Eubank (GBR) beat Emad Hanbali (SYR) KO round 1.
Lightweight
Mohammad Yahya (UAE) beat Ramadan Noaman (EGY) TKO round 2.
Lightweight
Alan Omer (GER) beat Reydon Romero (PHI) submission 1.
Welterweight
Juho Valamaa (FIN) beat Ahmed Labban (LEB) by unanimous decision.
Featherweight
Elias Boudegzdame (ALG) beat Austin Arnett (USA) by unanimous decision.
Super heavyweight
Maciej Sosnowski (POL) beat Ibrahim El Sawi (EGY) by submission round 1.
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Elvis
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The specs
Engine: 2.2-litre, turbodiesel
Transmission: 6-speed auto
Power: 160hp
Torque: 385Nm
Price: Dh116,900
On sale: now
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Copa del Rey final
Sevilla v Barcelona, Saturday, 11.30pm (UAE), match on Bein Sports
MATCH INFO
FA Cup fifth round
Chelsea v Manchester United, Monday, 11.30pm (UAE), BeIN Sports
Gothia Cup 2025
4,872 matches
1,942 teams
116 pitches
76 nations
26 UAE teams
15 Lebanese teams
2 Kuwaiti teams
BRIEF SCORES
England 228-7, 50 overs
N Sciver 51; J Goswami 3-23
India 219, 48.4 overs
P Raut 86, H Kaur 51; A Shrubsole 6-46
England won by nine runs
Did you know?
Brunch has been around, is some form or another, for more than a century. The word was first mentioned in print in an 1895 edition of Hunter’s Weekly, after making the rounds among university students in Britain. The article, entitled Brunch: A Plea, argued the case for a later, more sociable weekend meal. “By eliminating the need to get up early on Sunday, brunch would make life brighter for Saturday night carousers. It would promote human happiness in other ways as well,” the piece read. “It is talk-compelling. It puts you in a good temper, it makes you satisfied with yourself and your fellow beings, it sweeps away the worries and cobwebs of the week.” More than 100 years later, author Guy Beringer’s words still ring true, especially in the UAE, where brunches are often used to mark special, sociable occasions.
Company%20Profile
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COMPANY PROFILE
Initial investment: Undisclosed
Investment stage: Series A
Investors: Core42
Current number of staff: 47
Credit Score explained
What is a credit score?
In the UAE your credit score is a number generated by the Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB), which represents your credit worthiness – in other words, your risk of defaulting on any debt repayments. In this country, the number is between 300 and 900. A low score indicates a higher risk of default, while a high score indicates you are a lower risk.
Why is it important?
Financial institutions will use it to decide whether or not you are a credit risk. Those with better scores may also receive preferential interest rates or terms on products such as loans, credit cards and mortgages.
How is it calculated?
The AECB collects information on your payment behaviour from banks as well as utilitiy and telecoms providers.
How can I improve my score?
By paying your bills on time and not missing any repayments, particularly your loan, credit card and mortgage payments. It is also wise to limit the number of credit card and loan applications you make and to reduce your outstanding balances.
How do I know if my score is low or high?
By checking it. Visit one of AECB’s Customer Happiness Centres with an original and valid Emirates ID, passport copy and valid email address. Liv. customers can also access the score directly from the banking app.
How much does it cost?
A credit report costs Dh100 while a report with the score included costs Dh150. Those only wanting the credit score pay Dh60. VAT is payable on top.
FOOTBALL TEST
Team X 1 Team Y 0
Scorers
Red card
Man of the Match
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
ESSENTIALS
The flights
Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh via Yangon from Dh2,700 return including taxes. Cambodia Bayon Airlines and Cambodia Angkor Air offer return flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap from Dh250 return including taxes. The flight takes about 45 minutes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Raffles Le Royal in Phnom Penh cost from $225 (Dh826) per night including taxes. Rooms at the Grand Hotel d'Angkor cost from $261 (Dh960) per night including taxes.
The tours
A cyclo architecture tour of Phnom Penh costs from $20 (Dh75) per person for about three hours, with Khmer Architecture Tours. Tailor-made tours of all of Cambodia, or sites like Angkor alone, can be arranged by About Asia Travel. Emirates Holidays also offers packages.
MATCH INFO
Syria v Australia
2018 World Cup qualifying: Asia fourth round play-off first leg
Venue: Hang Jebat Stadium, Malayisa
Kick-off: Thursday, 4.30pm (UAE)
Watch: beIN Sports HD
* Second leg in Australia on October 10
Results
- Brock Lesnar retained the WWE Universal title against Roman Reigns
- Braun Strowman and Nicolas won the Raw Tag Team titles against Sheamus and Cesaro
- AJ Styles retained the WWE World Heavyweight title against Shinsuke Nakamura
- Nia Jax won the Raw Women’s title against Alexa Bliss
- Daniel Bryan and Shane McMahon beat Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn
- The Undertaker beat John Cena
- The Bludgeon Brothers won the SmackDown Tag Team titles against the Usos and New Day
- Ronda Rousey and Kurt Angle beat Triple H and Stephanie McMahon
- Jinder Mahal won the United States title against Randy Orton, Rusev and Bobby Roode
- Charlotte retained the SmackDown Women’s title against Asuka
- Seth Rollins won the Intercontinental title against The Miz and Finn Balor
- Naomi won the first WrestleMania Women’s Battle Royal
- Cedric Alexander won the vacant Cruiserweight title against Mustafa Ali
- Matt Hardy won the Andre the Giant Battle Royal
match info
Union Berlin 0
Bayern Munich 1 (Lewandowski 40' pen, Pavard 80')
Man of the Match: Benjamin Pavard (Bayern Munich)
The low down on MPS
What is myofascial pain syndrome?
Myofascial pain syndrome refers to pain and inflammation in the body’s soft tissue. MPS is a chronic condition that affects the fascia (connective tissue that covers the muscles, which develops knots, also known as trigger points).
What are trigger points?
Trigger points are irritable knots in the soft tissue that covers muscle tissue. Through injury or overuse, muscle fibres contract as a reactive and protective measure, creating tension in the form of hard and, palpable nodules. Overuse and sustained posture are the main culprits in developing trigger points.
What is myofascial or trigger-point release?
Releasing these nodules requires a hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure to release muscular shortness and tightness. This eliminates restrictions in connective tissue in orderto restore motion and alleviate pain. Therapy balls have proven effective at causing enough commotion in the tissue, prompting the release of these hard knots.
WWE Super ShowDown results
Seth Rollins beat Baron Corbin to retain his WWE Universal title
Finn Balor defeated Andrade to stay WWE Intercontinental Championship
Shane McMahon defeated Roman Reigns
Lars Sullivan won by disqualification against Lucha House Party
Randy Orton beats Triple H
Braun Strowman beats Bobby Lashley
Kofi Kingston wins against Dolph Zigggler to retain the WWE World Heavyweight Championship
Mansoor Al Shehail won the 50-man Battle Royal
The Undertaker beat Goldberg
Terminator: Dark Fate
Director: Tim Miller
Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Mackenzie Davis
Rating: 3/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Fixtures:
Wed Aug 29 – Malaysia v Hong Kong, Nepal v Oman, UAE v Singapore
Thu Aug 30 - UAE v Nepal, Hong Kong v Singapore, Malaysia v Oman
Sat Sep 1 - UAE v Hong Kong, Oman v Singapore, Malaysia v Nepal
Sun Sep 2 – Hong Kong v Oman, Malaysia v UAE, Nepal v Singapore
Tue Sep 4 - Malaysia v Singapore, UAE v Oman, Nepal v Hong Kong
Thu Sep 6 – Final
Ultra processed foods
- Carbonated drinks, sweet or savoury packaged snacks, confectionery, mass-produced packaged breads and buns
- margarines and spreads; cookies, biscuits, pastries, cakes, and cake mixes, breakfast cereals, cereal and energy bars;
- energy drinks, milk drinks, fruit yoghurts and fruit drinks, cocoa drinks, meat and chicken extracts and instant sauces
- infant formulas and follow-on milks, health and slimming products such as powdered or fortified meal and dish substitutes,
- many ready-to-heat products including pre-prepared pies and pasta and pizza dishes, poultry and fish nuggets and sticks, sausages, burgers, hot dogs, and other reconstituted meat products, powdered and packaged instant soups, noodles and desserts.
Padmaavat
Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Starring: Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, Jim Sarbh
3.5/5
ELIO
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett
Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Rating: 4/5
