Bill Text: NY J02778 | 2019-2020 | General Assembly | Introduced

New York Senate Resolution 2778 (Prior Session Legislation)

Introduced

Bill Title: Memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim MArch 20, 2020, as Day of Nowruz in the State of New York

Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 14-4)

Status: (Passed) 2020-02-11 - ADOPTED [J02778 Detail]

Download: New_York-2019-J02778-Introduced.html


Senate Resolution No. 2778

BY: Senator KAPLAN

        MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
        March 20, 2020, as Day of Nowruz in the State of New
        York

  WHEREAS,  It  is  the  sense  of  this Legislative Body to recognize
official days that are set aside to increase awareness and  enhance  the
profile  of  cultural  diversity  which  strengthens  the  fabric of the
communities of New York State; and

  WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and  in  full  accord  with  its
long-standing  traditions,  this  Legislative  Body  is  justly proud to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 20, 2020, as  Day
of  Nowruz  in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance
of International Day of Nowruz; and

  WHEREAS, The Persian New Year, Nowruz,  meaning  "New  Day,"  begins
each  year  on  the  first  day  of  spring marked by vernal equinox, or
Tahvil; on this day, which may occur on March 20th, 21st, or  22nd,  the
sun crosses the celestial equator; and

  WHEREAS,  Of  all  Persian holidays, the New Year celebration is the
most important, embodying a wealth of ancient  rites  and  customs,  and
symbolizing  the  continuity  of  the  ancient Persian culture which has
survived many adversities; and

  WHEREAS, As far back as records go, Nowruz has been a celebration of
early spring, when the  sun  begins  to  regain  strength  and  overcome
winter's  cold  and  darkness, and when there is a renewal of growth and
vigor in nature; and

  WHEREAS, A few days prior to the New Year, a special cover is spread
onto the carpet or table in every  Persian  household;  this  ceremonial
table  is  called  cloth  of  seven  dishes, each one beginning with the
Persian letter Sin; the number seven has been sacred in Persia since the
ancient times, and the seven dishes stand for the seven angelic  heralds
of  life-rebirth,  health,  happiness,  prosperity,  joy,  patience, and
beauty; and

  WHEREAS, The actual Nowruz ceremonies begin on the eve of  the  last
Wednesday  of  the  outgoing year and is known as Chaharshanbe Souri, or
Red Wednesday; early in the evening several large bonfires are made  and
each member of the family jumps over the fire; and

  WHEREAS,  Furthermore,  the  jumping  over the fire is followed by a
gathering in which nuts and fruits are  served  and  stories  are  told;
while  the  party goes and the fire dies out, the ashes, a symbol of the
bad luck imposed by winter, are buried; and

  WHEREAS, The traditional herald  of  Nowruz,  Haji  Firuz,  oversees
celebrations  for  the  New Year as a remnant of the ancient Zoroastrian
fire-keeper; his face is covered in soot and he is clad  in  bright  red
clothes and a felt hat; and

  WHEREAS, While ushering in Nowruz, Haji Firuz plays a tambourine and
sings as people gather around him and his troupe of musicians, spreading
good cheer and the news of the coming New Year; and

  WHEREAS,  The  13th day of Nowruz is called Sizdah Bedar, celebrated
by spending all day outdoors in nature having picnics and parties; and

  WHEREAS, Day of Nowruz is a time to celebrate  the  aspirations  and
values  that  have  been shared with the Persian people for generations,
and to recognize  the  countless  contributions  of  Americans  and  New
Yorkers  of  Persian descent to every aspect of society; now, therefore,
be it

  RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its  deliberations  to
memorialize  Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 20, 2020, as Day
of Nowruz in the State of New York; and be it further

  RESOLVED, That a copy of this  Resolution,  suitably  engrossed,  be
transmitted  to  The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.