U.S. First lady Michelle Obama hosted a Nowruz celebration. Azerbaijani national song `Nalbaki` was voiced during the event.

The Silk Road Dance Company performed Wednesday in the East Room of the White House in celebration of the more than 3,000-year-old holiday. The official start of the nearly two-week holiday observance is March 21, coinciding with the Spring Equinox.

The First Lady held a celebration in the East Room of the White House on Wednesday in honor of Nowruz, the Azerbaijani national holiday:

1. Celebrating culture
To introduce Obama, University of Maryland student Ashley Azmoodeh spoke about her own family’s connection to the holiday and its importance.

“The most memorable celebration from my childhood, one that we continue to celebrate annually, is Nowruz, meaning ‘New Day,’” Azmoodeh said.

The First Lady paid homage to the holiday by noting its long history and cultural significance for people around the world.

“For more than 3,000 years, families and communities in the Middle East, Asia, and all around the world, including here in the United States, have celebrated this holiday to mark the renewal of the Earth in spring time,” Obama said.

Obama also presented the White House Haft Seen, the traditional table setting of Nowruz. The Haft Seen, which translates to “the seven S’s,” features seven items placed on a table to symbolize seven new hopes for the new year, including blessings, patience, love, sweetness and rebirth.

2. Local traditions with a world view
Nowruz at the White House was a celebration of diversity and global connections. Guests made up of local leaders in business, education, government and entertainment packed the East Room.

Keeping with the local trend, guest chef Maziar Farivar of the Peacock Cafe, located in Georgetown, cooked a meal for guests. The menu celebrated the importance of family by taking old family recipes from White House staffers and giving them a gourmet upgrade.

“I think it’s so fitting that we’re holding this celebration here today because, one of my favorite things about the White House is how it is truly the people’s house,” Obama said. “A house that reflects the diversity of culture and traditions that make us who we are as a country, and Nowruz is one of those traditions.”

The Maryland-based Silk Road Dance Company also performed dances from all over the world.

“I hope you that feel at home, and feel the welcome, the love, the spirit this holiday,” Obama said. “I hope you enjoy the food, the friendship, and just being at the White House. Isn’t it cool?”

3. The renewal of a “new day”
Throughout her remarks, the First Lady reflected on the changing weather and arrival of spring to D.C. She connected spring to the themes of rebirth and renewal celebrated in Nowruz.

While presenting the White House Haft Seen, MObama made note of some important items that were displayed on the table.

“We’ve got grass sprouts that represent rebirth and renewal and nature. We’ve got an apple for health and beauty. We have crushed berry spice that represent the sunrise and the spice of life,” she said. “And after a long winter, we could use a little bit of all of that, right? We’re finally thawing out.”

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