Today 20th of March is the start date of Persian new year,  Nourooz, which begins on the spring equinox,^[26] marking the first day of Farvardin, the first month of the Iranian solar calendar.

As winter leaves its white coat behind it, days are slowly getting longer, the air caresses the cheeks with a soft warmness, and green leaves dares to venture out of the soil. These are the signs that spring is coming, and with it, a whole new life is about to start. Here is the spirit of Nowrooz (or Nouruz).  Following the example of Mother Nature, people are invited to close the door on one chapter and turn the page to start a fresh new one. Regardless of the religions, beliefs, ethnicities, Nowruz offers to all the occasion for a change, a renewal, and most importantly, hope. 

About this image:

Dolphin is associated with both water and air elements, living in both realms, symbolizing both the emotional and intellectual traits. dolphin is a symbol of protection for its presence in stories about saving the drowning sailors or other humans in distress.  Mermaid, on the other hand, usually embodies the destructive nature of the water, luring sailors to their deaths , serving as an omen for storms, unruly seas and disaster. 

This image represents the confrontation of these two forces. I am not yet sure how their relationship is. Does the mermaid try to lure the dolphin with the fish as well those sailors? I hope not, because after all,  dolphin is associated with intelligence.  Or maybe they are negotiating over coming into peace.

I hope that this destruction (mermaid) will end this year. To me this dolphin symbolizes the hope! 

The photo was taken in our small park next door in Gothenburg. 

I wish everyone everywhere a happy Nourooz, 1400 of shamsi calendar the new century!