Saghar Setarehさんのインスタグラム写真 - (Saghar SetarehInstagram)「Ever since I moved to Italy nearly 13 years ago, this time of the year always felt bittersweet, having me long for home more than ever; The arrival of spring means #Norouz in Iran, the new year, and the most important celebration of all Iranians around the world. I resented the normal life and the hectic work rhythm here, that went on ignoring my grand national holiday, reaching out to fellow Iranians to celebrate in community. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ We would set the haft seen table with the fresh sprouts, colored eggs, mirrors and apples and goldfish. We would hunt tons of fresh herbs from all the markets of the city to make Sabzi Polo, the Persian herby pilaf that’s the national dish for Norouz. And we would celebrate “Sal Tahvil” together, that precise moment the Earth enters the Spring Equinox, with the sound of a cannon, murmuring the new year prayer: “Transform our condition to the best form”, and then read a poem from Hafez. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Never had I imagined, even in my worst nightmares that Iran and Italy would share the terrible fate of quarantine and high death toll during Norouz and arrival of Spring. Never had I thought I’d see army vans carrying out dozens of coffins out of a town here, and group cemeteries there, so large that can be seen in air photos. Never had I imagined a Norouz spent in “social distancing” when the tradition is to go see one another, and exchanges hugs and kisses, sweets and meals. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I have no haft seen this year, since I’m bedridden with a full leg cast. I am trying to stay positive and hopeful, because the whole spirit of Norouz is rebirth and renewal. But I don’t want to hide that my heart is breaking into pieces. This is no time to play the super upbeat, superwoman. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I am happy that one of Iran’s worst years ever is ending. There’s nothing else to wish for this Norouz other than the end of the #pandemic, the health, survival and prosperity of us all, everywhere in the world. Hoping the start of 1399 is as far from start of 2020 as possible. Norouz Mobarak!」3月20日 1時04分