The Iranian patient: some facts about the iranian immigrants:

Iranian immigrants to the US are about one million of which about half live in California. The iranian immigration to US came in two waves: one before the 1979 revolution; were mostly students who came here for education or business travel, second wave started after the 1979 revolution which brought people mainly to seek jobs or opportunities offered by the rich US economy and/or political asylem. The fact is though iranians are amoung the most successful immigrants of the US minority population! From time to time we may encounter some iranian patients in hospitals, then nurses wonder what kind of care they should provide to iranian customers in order to be culturally respectful? To get to know the Iranian patient, you would have to have some knowledge about different religions that exist in Iran. These are islam, christianity, jewdeism, kalimi, and Bahai. To be added more...

Some facts about Persia:

The persian culture is an ancient one with a civilization that is very rich. In 1935, Iran replaced the name of Persia, though Iranians always take pride in their persian heritage. They still celebrate Noruz ( the new year celebration by persian calander ). This is a celebration that marks the first day of spring. Noruz celebration dates back to Zoroastrian Era ( more than 500 BC ). There are 3 major principals of this religion that are still held dear with every Iranian: 1-Think good. 2-Say good. 3-Act good.       More to be added ...

The Noruz celebration:

Congradulations! It's March 21st, the first day of spring and the first day in persian calander. Of course Iranians all around the world are celebrating because this is the happiest and biggest event of the year. Like christmas, families visit and exchange gifts, kids enjoy 13 days of holidays as well as new cloths, toys, and cash. The celebration begins with all family members gathered around the Haft Seen table as the old year terminates and the new year begins. On the table there are 7 things whos names begin with the letter S, each one having a symbolic meaning for being there. For example; a dish of green germinated seeds represent new growth, money to bring richness to the family, fish symbolizes the continuity of life...etc. Read more on Norooz in this nice web site: