‘GAZETTEER OF PERSIA VOL. I Comprising the Provinces of ASTARÁBÁD, SHÁHRUD-BÚSTAN, KHÚRÁSÁN, AND SÍSTÁN’ [‎212v] (431/722)

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religion on which it was grounded; and the IN
chosen rather to be upbraided Yfith the impious observance of what their
enemies term an usage of infidels than abolish a feast, which was so che
rished by their ancestors. They have, however, discovered another reason
for celebrating this day :—it is the anniversary of the elevation of their
favourite All to the high dignity of the Khilafat. There are many
fabulous accounts regarding the origin of the feast of nauruz. The
Gabars, or worshippers of fire, who were the former inhabitants of Persia,
computed by the solar and not by the lunar system. Their year was divided
into twelve months ; and every day of the month, as well as the month
itself, had a name taken from those which they give to the angels. It was
a custom of the ancient kings of Persia, we are told, to dress in a particular
robe each day. Scarlet, richly embroidered or rather wove with gold, was
the appointed dress for the day Hurmuzd, which was the nauruz, or the
day of the vernal equinox. Many reasons are. stated to show why the
nauruz is kept as a festival. God, one writer The lowest of the four classes into which East India Company civil servants were divided. A Writer’s duties originally consisted mostly of copying documents and book-keeping. says, on that day
began the creation, and ordered the different planets to move in their
various orbits. Another writer The lowest of the four classes into which East India Company civil servants were divided. A Writer’s duties originally consisted mostly of copying documents and book-keeping. affirms that Jamshid built the palace of
Persepolis and entered it on this day, which he ordered in future to be kept
as a joyous feast. These and many other equally fabulous accounts are
given of the origin of this festival; but the fact is, it is the opening of the
spring—the day on which winter is over and the season of gladness com
mences. It is the custom of the king of Persia to march out of his capital
on the nauruz, attended by his ministers, nobles, and as many of his army
as can be assembled. The ceremonies of the day commence with a review ;
and then the tribute and presents of all the rulers and governors of the
different provinces of the kingdom are laid at the foot of the tlirone, which
is placed in a magnificent tent that is pitched for the purpose in an open
plain. The king remains in camp several days, which are passed in joy
and festivity. Horse-races are among the amusements at this period; and
the monarch, whose favourite horses generally win, gives presents to the
fortunate riders. He also confers dresses of honour on all the chief nobles
and officers of his government, who, imitating his example, give similar
marks of their regard to their servants and dependents. This feast is kept
with equal demonstrations of joy over every part of the kingdom. It con
tinues nearly a week ; but the first day is the most important. On it all
ranks appear attired in their newest apparel. They send presents of sweet
meats to each other ; and every man kisses his friend on the auspicious
morning of the nauruz.
“ The Persian kings have always attached great importance to the
royal privilege of having a band of musicians, and of displaying at
their festivals and when encamped with their army particular banners.
One of the standards of one of the ancient monarchs of this king
dom was the apron of Kawah, the celebrated blacksmith, wdio rebelled
against Zohak, and placed the virtuous Farfdun upon the throne. Subse
quent to the introduction of the religion of Muhammad, a variety of
colours or flags have been adopted, which have in general been orna
mented with symbols having allusion to the deeds of that Prophet or his
descendants. Among these a representation of the Zulfakar,* or two-
* ‘Zulfikar’has nothing to do with ‘two-edged.’ It means ‘spine’ or ‘knotty,’ and was
applied to the sword of Alf on account of certain protuberances or knots on its back. Some
scoffers say it was not a sword at all, but a rattan or bamboo.