Hard boil the eggs. Paint pretty patterns.
Play Mehrnoosh. Count seven special somethings.
Read Rumi. Take a photo of the sofreh.
Call your family. Murmur wishes for good health and happiness.
Blink twice when your chest tightens.
Smile when your Ameh repeats the refrain khasteh shodim az corona.
Sit in the sun with your children.
Prepare sabzi polo with fresh dill and the wild snapper,
it’s the new year (1400!) after all.
While it cooks, savor half a sour beer, so sorry Baba.
Add a call to your cousin with a capital C, say Nowruz pirooz azizam.
Listen again to Enghadar Dooset Daram.
Thank the universe for what we’ve made and built so far.
Whisper gratitude for every little thing.
Slice of Life, Day 20 [Inspired by Ada Limon’s Instructions On Not Giving Up]
For background on the Persian Nowruz Sofreh Haft-Seen see Slice of Life Day 15
This is SO lovely! I really like how you wove in the information – you shared so much that was traditional and specific to Persian culture, but even though it was unfamiliar to me I was able to follow and learn. I read it again and realised how much emotion was laid bare in a subtle way. This is one of my favourite pieces I’ve ever read for SOL! Happy New Year!
“Thank the universe,” and “whisper gratitude.” These give a feeling of peace. I think I’ll read some Rumi now. Thank you for this slice that pushes my learning and understanding.
"Sit in the sun with your children." happens to be my favorite ingredient.
I hope your Persian New Year celebration was everything you’d hoped it would be and more.
Thank you for offering us a glimpse into your world and your beautiful culture.
Happy New Year, Nawal. This post is a beautiful example of weaving the known with the unknown to inspire curiosity, teach, and also provide the sense of joy and gratitude you and your family have. And… the eggs are beautiful!
There is so much to enjoy in this Slice–family love and connections, details of traditions, all the senses engaged and pulling on heartstrings. Sounds like you were fully present for each and every moment.
It’s hard for me to describe exactly why I love this. I think it’s the title, the sparse-but-vivid form, and way the last couple of lines work with the title to pack a profound punch of emotion, making it about so much more than your holiday celebration. I also love how tradition, specific family moments, and your individual feelings at this particular Nowruz in this moment in time, are woven together. <3