Happy first day of spring aka Iranian New Years! This is literally one of my favorite days of the year! (Not to mention that today I finally get to fly home and see my family!)
In accordance to one of my blog's intentions, I want to bring to you the bright, colorful, beautiful, and accurate side of Iran, as opposed to what you probably hear in mainstream media! (Also you've all mentioned that you want more posts relating to my culture, so this is for you!)Enjoy!
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Photo via TheTehranTimes |
In addition to "khaane tekaani," or cleaning the house, Iranians give gifts to each other (hence the giveaway!), buy new clothes, and create a "Haft-Seen," (literally translates to: Seven S's) which is a table decorated traditionally with a mirror (symbolizing reflection), goldfish (life and changing of the year), a Qur'an (or a favorite poetry book for non-Muslims) and candles (light and happiness), along with 7 specific things that start with the letter "S" (well, in Farsi!).
These include: Sabzeh, which are green lentil/wheat/barley sprouts grown on a dish and tied with a ribbon (representing the rebirth of the earth); Apples - Seeb (well-being and beauty); Vinegar - Serkeh (patience and old age); Garlic - Seer (medicine/health); Sumac - Sumac (colors of the sunrise signaling a new day); Wheat Paste - Samanoo (strength); Silver Berry - Senjed (beauty, love); Coins - Sekkeh (prosperity); Colored Eggs - Tokhm Morg Rangi, which are decorated with the family (fertility); and Hyacinth - Sonbol (fragrance and spring).
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Photos via: (top row): TheTehranTimes // (bottom row): ADayInTheLalz |
OH right, and of course, the giveaway (haha did you like how I made you read through all of that first?)! As I mentioned before, it is customary to both give gifts and buy new clothes for Iranian Nowruz, so I've teamed up with socially-responsible brands 4 All Humanity, The Anchal Project, and Concrete Polish to bring you pieces that are absolutely beautiful--inside and out! Also, all of these products are one of a kind/limited edition, so you can be the only kid on the block in these amazing pieces!
ENTER TO WIN:
1: $50 Gift Certificate to Concrete Polish
An incredible brand with such bad-ass handmade jewelry! Every piece is unique and made environmentally-responsibly.2: Handmade Didi Scarf from the Anchal Project
This non-profit focuses on the intersection of fashion and education for Indian women! Each hand-crafted product supports and empowers these artisans, as proceeds go toward their healthcare, education, and scholarship.
This beautifully-patterned skirt is fair-trade and handmade in Uganda! 4 All Humanity works with cooperatives all over the world to produce beautifully-designed products that are ethically-motivated!
Together, this giveaway is worth $140 and will be awarded to one lucky winner!
To enter, please comment on this post with your favorite item from each store! For more entries/chances to win, enter below! This giveaway will end on the 13th day of Nowruz, April 2nd at 11:59pm CST.
And, yes, it's an international giveaway!
Best of luck!
And, yes, it's an international giveaway!
Best of luck!
[giveaway is closed]
I will also be doing a cause feature/shoot with each of the brands in the upcoming days so you can learn about all of the amazing work that they do and the changes they are making all over the world, so stay tuned to hear their inspiring stories!
OH! And I almost forgot (sorry, it's like 4am heh) you can learn how to say "Happy New Years" to an Iranian, even if you didn't manage to take away anything from this post (aside from the chance to win beautiful and ethical fashion)!
Happy New Years! = "No-Rooz Mobarak!"
or
Happy New Years to You! = "Eid-e Shoma Mobarak!"
Okay this was quite a bit of info so please don't hesitate to ask any questions or let me know if there is a particular part of Iran you'd like me to focus on in the next 13 day!
~
Have a lovely Thursday!
Best of luck in the giveaway and Eid-e Shoma Mobarak! c;
<(')
THIS IS SO COOL!!!!! Thanks for putting it on, girl! Just entered!
ReplyDeleteI love the Tiny but Mighty Rings in Gold at Concrete Polish, Didi Scarf 60 from Anchal, and the pleated skirt that is in the giveaway from 4 all humanity!
I'm so excited!!
I love the quartz ring in silver from Concrete Polish (I'm trying to build a more magical girl / super villain -esque wardrobe;) )
ReplyDeleteI'm also so into the Mahal Quilt from the Anchal Project and the Trifecta Top from 4 All Humanity.
This is an awesome giveaway, an awesome blog post, and I'm so impressed by your commitment to socially responsible brands and that you were able to get so many to participate!
anchal- all of their pillows!
ReplyDelete4 all humanity - beaded tribal bracelet
concrete polish - primitive charm
wish me luck!!
Thank you so much for doing this giveaway! I'm so excited to enter. Here are a list of my favorite things:
ReplyDeleteConcrete Polish: Tint But Mighty Rings in Silver
Anchal Project: Didi Scarf - 89
4 All Humanity: Piña Stamp ring
What a great giveaway -- I love the bracelet from all 4 humanity and the rings at Concrete Polish. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI love learning more about Iran. I plan to go there one day, it is on my list of top places to go to and I agree that Iran is often misrepresented/misinterpreted in the media. From Concrete polish I really like the Darling's Gem Necklace in Yellow Gold. I really like simple jewelery and this one looks so pretty. From Anchal Project, this was so hard to choose and I don't think I can pick one! I love uniquely designed home accents and so the pillows and quilts were all amazing!, However I am also a huge scarf fanatic and I liked all of them too! From 4 all humanity, again loving everything! But I really liked the one pleated skirt in the blue and white colour, it looks so pretty/sophisticated but at the same time very casual. Thanks for this chance to win some amazing things!! Also for introducing me to new places to shop (not that I need to shop more!)
ReplyDeleteLove the concrete polish!
ReplyDeletejealose its a great iranian day ! always in love with iranian cultur ... keep going dear
ReplyDeleteI love the serpant bangle in sterling silver from Concrete Polish, the red and orange Didi Scarf from Anchal Project, and the blue Parisian Trousers from 4 All Humanity. No-Rooz Mobark!!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI loving the infinity tiny necklace from Concrete Polished, a lot of items from the Anchal Project but I love quilts so I have to say the Phool quilt, and the tribal crossbody bag from 4allmankind
ReplyDeleteHappy Norooz Hoda!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteLove everything from all of the stores! I just couldn't decide!!!
ReplyDeleteso excited!!
Eid-e shoma mobarak! Just entered:
ReplyDeleteserpent bangle from angela monaco ,the red nile skirt from 4allhumanity and didi scarf from anchal!
Wish me luck!!!!
WOw I had not heard of any of these brands before and they are so so beautiful! I thank you so much for doing this so I can learn they do such great things! I wwant to tell all of my friends!
ReplyDeletexox from Ukraine,
Nataly
oh wow! These are awesome!
ReplyDeleteI love the Key to the Unknown from Concrete Polish, The Colorful Didi Scarf from Anchal Project and the Blue Mini Skirt from 4 All Humanity!
Happy New Year!!
This is so lovely! And congrats on Norouz :)
ReplyDeleteConcrete Polish: Tiny But Mighty Stackable ring in Gold
Anchal Project: Didi Straight Scarf :))
4 All Humanity: Embossed leather bag
So good.
ReplyDeleteGreat giveaway who Joo Joo I just learn what first day of spring means in Iranian how cool, Enjoy your weekend with your family.
ReplyDeletehttp://tifi11.blogspot.com
Great post! I absolutely love the Darling Gems Collar on Concrete Polish, Didi Scarf 16 (but all of them are beautiful!), and the studded cuff on 4 all Humanity.
ReplyDeleteConcrete polish: http://concretepolishjewels.com/bigcartel-items/meteor-necklace
ReplyDeleteanchal: http://anchalproject.org/products-page/new/didi-scarf-27/
4 all humanity: http://www.4allhumanity.com/collections/jewelry/products/birds-of-a-feather-bangle
Found artifact necklace from 4 all humanity, everything from concrete polish (that store is so cool!), and the scarves from anchal project.
ReplyDeletethese are really beautiful brands!! I love them!
Happy new years!!!
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome!
ReplyDeleteConcrete Polish: Key To The Unknown Necklace in Rose Gold
Anchal Project: http://anchalproject.org/products-page/scarves-circle/
4 All Humanity: Chevron Flare Dress
Happy New Years!
Tree Trunk Crystal Growth Ring in Gold/Silver From Concrete Polish
ReplyDeletekantha pillow-24×24 from Anchal Project
Smart Is Beautiful Tee 4 All Humanity
are my favorites. Thank you for the opportunity.
Barbara @ www.allmylivesnow.com
http://www.4allhumanity.com/collections/sale/products/vintage-bicycle-journal
ReplyDeletehttp://concretepolishjewels.com/bigcartel-items/enchanted-fox-engagement-ring
http://anchalproject.org/products-page/quilts-small/small-roti-quilt-2/
http://www.4allhumanity.com/collections/clothing/products/chevron-flare-ylw
ReplyDeletehttp://concretepolishjewels.com/bigcartel-items/enchanted-fox-engagement-ring
http://anchalproject.org/products-page/scarves-straight/didi-scarf-106/
Thanks for hosting, this is amazing!
I love this!!! Thanks for hosting a wonderful giveaway. <3
ReplyDeleteThis is so kind of you :) Thank you very much and I hope you have a wonderful new year <3
ReplyDeleteAnd my favorites from each store are:
DeleteThe lotus necklace from 4 All Humanity
Small chand quilt from Anchal Project
Bizmuth ring in silver with garnet from Concrete Polish
I like the darling gem collar, didi scarf in ajmer, and Parisian trousers.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
Vanessa
Eid-e Shoma Mobarak!
ReplyDeleteI love the Garden Terrace Scarf from 4 All Humanity, this Didi scarf from Anchal Project (http://anchalproject.org/products-page/new/didi-scarf-16/), and the Silver Serpent Bangle from Concrete Polish! Great giveaway!
xoxo Chloe | Wanderlust in the Midwest
LOVE THIS
ReplyDeletesilver bell necklace 4 all humanity
bizmuth ring from concrete polish
did scarfs from anchal
Thank you for this giveaway) My favorites:
ReplyDeleteConcrete Polish: Primitive Charm Bracelet
Anchal Project: Didi scarf in red shades
4 All Humanity: Chevron Flare Dress in Monaco Blue
Such an awesome giveaway! Heard about you through 4 all humanity's FB page... I've been admiring their embossed leather clutch for a while now, maybe soon I'll actually get one for myself! :)
ReplyDeletehttp://livingwithaholts.blogspot.com/
Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI am loving the Darlings Waterfall necklace from Concrete Polish, the Small Matar quilt from Anchal, and the Navy Floret printed mini-skirt from 4 All Humanity.
Keep up the great work Hoda! :)
Thara // Moss & Stone
xx
aaa so cute :D
ReplyDeleteWWW.PUTRIVALENTINALIM.BLOGSPOT.COM
concrete polish-key to the unknown necklace
ReplyDeleteproject- the kantha pillow
chevron flare dress from all humanity
vanitizebaby@yahoo.com
Well, here are my favorite products from the sites!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.4allhumanity.com/collections/clothing/products/trifecta-top-blk
http://anchalproject.org/products-page/scarves-square/didi-scarf-115/
http://concretepolishjewels.com/bigcartel-items/tiny-but-mighty-gem-necklace
Eid mobarak! Noroozetan pirooz! :)
ReplyDeleteConcrete polish: stones and bones ring
4allhumanity: tribal cross body bag and mockingbird bag
Anchal project: did I scarves and quilts
Thanks for having this giveaway!
ReplyDeleteAnchal Project - The bright yellow Didi scarves make me sooooo happy!
4 All Humanity - I love the Lotus neckalce.
Concrete Polish - The Stones & Bones ring is gorgeous!
I love Didi Scarf 16 from the Anchal Project, the Pleated Mini Skirt - Navy Floret from 4 All Humanity, & the Crystal Studs In Silver from Concrete Polish.
ReplyDelete♥emma
www.itsemmaelise.com
Ahhh, these kind of shops are the reason I'm always broke haha! I absolutely adore the Darling Gem Collar (but let's be real I could never afford it haha), literally every single one of the scarves from the Anchal Project, and the crossbody tribal bag from 4 All Humanity. These shops are absolutely ADORABLE and not to mention ethical. Thanks so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThese are all so cute!(: I'm having a hard time picking a scarf from the Anchal project,I love them all!(: the pleated mini skirt from 4 all humanity is my favorite,I love the design!(: and the Meteor Gangstress necklace in gold is my favorite from Concrete Polish(:
ReplyDeleteaswestumblealong.com
This is gorgeous: http://concretepolishjewels.com/bigcartel-items/one-of-a-kind-cpj-silver-ring
ReplyDeleteThis scarf from Anchal: http://anchalproject.org/products-page/new/didi-scarf-65/ ...or maybe http://anchalproject.org/products-page/scarves-circle/didi-scarf-147/ !
And all the tees on 4 All Humanity look super comfy!
hhhhhhhhhhhh
ReplyDelete