Human Relations Commission Celebrates Spring

The Human Relations Commission celebrated the arrival of spring, which starts March 20, with a presentation at Tuesday's City Council meeting highlighting the different ways that cultures mark the seasonal change. 

"As you know our theme this year is 'Embrace Civility.' To this end we would like to embrace the cultures of the 100 percent," commission Chair Barbara Linder told the council. "As spring is rapidly approaching, we are taking this opportunity to celebrate the spring festivals of five different cultures."

The commission set up a table in Council Chambers with a spread representing "haft seen," the traditional table setting of the Persian spring celebration of Nowruz. Cultural symbols of spring from the Chinese, Seneca Indians, Ukrainians and Hindus were also recognized:

• A few days prior to the Persian New Year of "Nowruz," which means "new day," seven dishes are spread on the table that stand for the seven heralds of life: rebirth, health, happiness, prosperity, joy, patience and beauty. The apple symbolizes health and beauty. Nowruz takes place March 19 this year.
• In Chinese culture, paper-cuts are the symbol of spring and represent blessedness, luck and fortune. When you hang the paper-cut upside down, it means spring has arrived. 
• The Seneca Indians associate the strawberry with spring and rebirth because strawberries are the first fruit of the year to ripen. The Senecas also believe that strawberries grow along the path to heaven and bring good health.
• Ukrainians believe that the fate of the world depends upon the "pysanka." As long as the egg-decorating custom continues, the world will exist. If for any reason this custom is abandoned, evil in the shape of a horrible serpent will overrun the world.  
• During "Holi," the "Festival of Colors," Hindus attend a public bonfire, spray friends and family with colored powder and water, and take to the streets in celebration. Holi is a time when man and nature alike throw off the gloom of winter, and rejoice in the colors and liveliness of spring.

After the council got a closer look at the table spread and symbols adorning it, Mayor Barry Brucker thanked the commission for sharing the spring customs with the council.

"We have such a diverse community and I think we have always felt that our diversity is our strength and that's what makes us whole here in this wonderful city," Brucker said after the presentation. "All of these different cultures coming together, and the symbolism, they all seem to embrace goodness and good health, love, compassion—and this is something we can all strive for."

While wrapping up the presentation, Linder also noted the commission's continued effort to promote civility in Beverly Hills with the "Embrace Civility" award.

"If you encounter any resident, student or employee within our city who acts as a role model of positive civic behavior, takes a stand in support of respect or responsible action, and/or promotes positive neighbor-to-neighbor relations, please use one of our nomination forms to submit your candidate's name to us," Linder said.

For the "Embrace Civility" nomination form, click here.

Editor's Note: This article has been changed to reflect that the table setting in Council Chambers represented "haft sin," the traditional table setting of the Persian spring celebration of Nowruz.

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