Traditional Iranian dance, music and food will be featured in the University Center Ballroom tonight to kick off the Persian New Year.
The celebration will take place from 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Norouz, which means "New Day," starts on the first day of spring and is a symbol of the beginning of the Iranian calendar. The Persian Student Association is hosting the festivities to celebrate the New Year and familiarize the Iranian culture to those who know little about it.
The region of Persia became known as Iran in 1935. The two names "Iranian" and "Persian" are used interchangeably to describe the culture. However, Iran is the name used throughout politics.
The PSA registered as a student organization three years ago and has about 25 members at the University of Memphis. Additional students, who attend other universities including Memphis College of Art and The University of Tennessee Health and Science Center, are also a part of the PSA.
Norouz is comprised of major aspects of Iranian traditions, so the PSA wanted to fuse the New Year celebration with general information about Iran.
"We plan to present the culture from different view points," Alireza Shahjouei, president of the PSA, said. "There will be books and discussions about politics, religion, written language and history."
A variety of Persian foods will be provided in the ballroom.
"Persian cookies, hot tea and kabobs will be served at the event," Shahjouei said.
A craft table will be set up to show attendees' different Persian carpets, textiles, inlays, paintings and metalwork.
Attendees can learn traditional Iranian dances while listening to traditional and pop music. Others can peruse tables filled with Persian arts.
"A professional dancer is coming to show traditional dances of Iran to the people who come," Shahjouei said. "Also students will be playing the setar and singing traditional songs."
The traditional Persian New Year table, the Haft Seen Table, will be comprised of seven symbolic objects beginning with the Farsi letter "S" as well as other items important to the Persian culture.
"It is a symbol and very traditional custom in Iran," Shahjouei said. "We hope it is even more beautiful than last year.
A music table will be on display to show different traditional instruments such as the santur, setar and the daf, a frame drum.
"The setar will be seen because it is being played for everyone," Shahjouei said. "Others can be seen on display throughout the event."
Shahjouei said he expects more than 250 people to attend Persian Night in the UC.
"I recommend that all students and faculty attend Persian Night," Shahjouei said. "It is a great way to learn about Persia and its history."
The PSA's next event is April 13 and is a free concert consisting of traditional Persian music.
For those who want to attend Persian Night, an RSVP is required so the allotted seats are available.
