Fine Print

Christmas 2006

25
Dec

In order to have a better introduction of Persian culture and fostering the friendships and cultural respect between Iranian graduate students and university authorities, IGSA decided to share the happiness of the holidays and Christmas with university officials sharing Iranian candies and Christmas cards with school officials and their families:
In this regard, we shared the happiness of the New Year 2006 with:
• President of the University of Southern California
• Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs of the University of Southern California
• Director of the Office of the International Students
• Head of the Office of Financial Aid
• Head of the Admission Office
• Dean of the Viterbi School of Engineering
• Associate Dean of the Viterbi School of Engineering
• Head of the Viterbi School of Engineering Admissions
• Chairman of the Civil Engineering Department
• Chairman of the Environmental Engineering Department
• Chairman of the Electrical Engineering Department
• Chairman of the Computer Science Department
• Chairman of the Mechanical Engineering Department
• Chairman of the Chemical and Petroleum Engineering and Material Science Department
• Chairman of the Industrial and Systems Engineering Department
• President of the International Students Assembly
• President of the Graduate and Professional Students Senate

Yalda Night-Significance of winter solstice in Persian culture

03
Dec

 
One of the most significant cultural celebrations in Iran is Yalda Night that has been celebrated in Iranian culture for thousands of years. This celebration is held on the longest night of the year, the last day of Fall or Winter Solstice. The ceremony can be traced to the primal concept of Light and Good against Darkness and Evil in the ancient Iran. Yalda has great significance in our culture it signifies the night of birth of the unconquerable sun, or Mehr. Moreover, this ceremony is as ancient as the time that people organized their lives based on seasonal changes.
The night is filled with talking, laughter and eating an assortment of fruits and vegetables. The foods themselves symbolize the balance of the seasons. For example, saffron and carrot brownies are eaten to overcome the cold temperatures.

Iranian Graduate Students Association (IGSA) is planning to hold a cultural gathering, inviting graduate/undergraduate Iranian students at USC to get together to celebrate this event. This would be an excellent opportunity for all Iranian students, as well as students from other countries to know more about this tradition in particular and about Iranian Culture in general.
Attendance: 400