Holidays In West Asia

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Written By Leili Arai Tavallaei

Many Holidays in West Asia are determined by moon cycles such as Ramadan, Asura, and Eid al Fitr. My favorite is definitely Eid Norooz (Newroz / Nowruz / Norouz / Nauruz - the spelling will change based upon region). Eid Norooz is the first day of spring and considered the Islamic New Year, celebrating with lots of food, family, and friends. One of my favorite elements of Norooz is the Iranian celebration Chaharshanbe Soori, which honors the spirits of the dead by jumping over fire, representing jumping into the New Year with good fortune. Eid Norooz is an important holiday for many West Asians. "For the Kurdish people, celebrating Newroz and using its Kurdish spelling is a political act, a symbol of freedom to express Kurdish identity" - @localbrownbaby 

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Leili Arai Tavallaei

Leili Arai Tavallaei is an interdisciplinary animator and artist based in Houston, TX. Her work focuses on her lived experience as a mixed West Asian and East Asian growing up in the American South. She is dedicated to creating spaces and sparking dialogues within the Asian diaspora and is excited to bring this work to light alongside Overachiever. In her spare time she is either reading, watching Terrace House, or cooking.

INSTAGRAM: @hello.leili / @leilihere

WEBSITE: www.latavallaei.com

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