The Persian New Year, Norooz, is around the corner. It is a festive and colorful time. Everything seems a bit softer and more pleasant, albeit fleeting. As the nature begins to turn over a new leaf, families try to embrace the spring among their loved ones. Relatives gather around, exchange gifts, consume delicious food, and recall cherished memories.
One of the most beloved Iranian songs that captures the feeling of Norooz well is Farhad’s Koodakaneh (Childhood). Surprisingly, it’s not the happiest song. It has a strong sense of longing and nostalgia. The singer’s childhood memories help him live through the unforgiving winter while he patiently waits for the warmth of spring. Maybe it’s too far of a stretch to say that the lyrics are reminiscent of the Iranian outlook in general – eternal longing for the past while evading the present – but it certainly strikes a strong chord with many Persian listeners.
The song is one of my personal favorites, so I decided to translate it for all the Iran lovers out there. I wish everyone a wonderful and prosperous New Year. Eide hamegi mobarak!
Scent of eidi (money given to children on New Year)
Scent of cannon*
Scent of confetti
Pungent scent of smoked fish on the new tablecloth
Scent of jasmine in grandmother’s cashmere prayer mat
With these [thoughts], I let winter pass by
The joy of breaking the piggy bank
The horror of losing the eidi coins by counting them too many times
Scent of pressed crisp bills in the book
With these [thoughts], I let winter pass by
With these, I relieve my weariness
Joy of a long leap over lit shrubs
Bright shine of coupled shoes in closets
With these [thoughts], I let the winter pass by
With these, I relieve my weariness
Love of playing alak-dolak
Fear of not finishing the New Year’s school homework
Scent of the dried rose peddles in the book
With these [thoughts], I let winter pass by
With these, I relieve my weariness
Scent of the garden, the pool
Fine fragrance of nazri*
Friday night, following a lantern, getting lost in the alleyway
Lust for a swim in the azure stream,
With these [thoughts], I let winter pass by
With these, I relieve my weariness
With these [thoughts], I let winter pass by
With these, I relieve my weariness
* Traditionally cannon blasts mark the exact moment of the spring equinox, the beginning of the Persian New Year.
* Iranians distribute free food during Ashura and other religious days. The food specifically made for such occasions is called nazri.