Each year during the spring equinox, when the days and nights are equal lengths, millions of people around the world celebrate Nowruz, also known as the Persian New Year and the beginning of spring.
Nowruz means ‘New Day’ and is observed this year on Sunday, March 20, 2022. In some communities, Nowruz may have a different spelling and is observed on slightly different dates. This is one of humanity’s oldest holidays, and although it may be often called the Persian New Year, it predates the Persian Empire and can be traced back 5,000 years to the Sumerian and the Babylonian civilizations!
Like a lot of spring festivals, the idea of purification and starting again is key, making this a great time to celebrate this inspiring holiday as we hopefully near the tail end of the COVID-19 pandemic. Families and friends who remained apart for two years are sure to be overjoyed to gather again on this exciting day.
This Nowruz feels different!
There’s a light at the end of the pandemic tunnel and the Nowruz message of positivity, hope and renewal will surely reach everyone worldwide.
In that spirit, we wish all OPSEU/SEFPO members and Ontarians marking this day a happy, healthy, peaceful, and prosperous Nowruz: “Nowruz Mubarak”.
In solidarity,
Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU/SEFPO President
Eduardo (Eddy) Almeida, OPSEU/SEFPO First Vice-President/Treasurer