Everything You Need to Know About Nowruz: The Iranian New Year

According to SAEDNEWS, Every year, on March 21st, more than 300 million people come together to celebrate Nowruz, the Iranian New Year. But what exactly is Nowruz, and how is it celebrated across various cultures? In this blog post, we’ll explore the significance of this long-standing tradition, its origins, and the vibrant ways people commemorate it. Let’s embark on this exciting journey to understand Nowruz better.

What is Nowruz?

Nowruz, which translates to "new day" in Persian, marks the beginning of the Persian new year. It is celebrated on the first day of Farvardin, the first month of the solar calendar. The festivities kick off at the precise moment of the spring equinox—when day and night are of equal length—signifying renewal, rebirth, and hope. This unique timing is particularly special because, unlike many cultures that celebrate their New Year in the dead of winter, Nowruz takes place at the start of spring, symbolizing new beginnings and the revival of nature.

Countries like Iran, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, and Albania share this beautiful celebration, despite having their unique customs. Because of this, you may also hear variations of the name, such as Nowrooz, Novruz, or Nowrouz, depending on the region and language.

A Long-Standing Tradition

The history of Nowruz stretches back over 3,000 years, deeply rooted in Persian culture. Its origins are found in ancient texts, such as the Shahnameh written by Ferdowsi and the works of the celebrated philosopher and poet Omar Khayyam. Both of these significant figures provided early references to the customs and importance of the New Year celebration.

Nowruz has been celebrated for centuries, and its historical significance spans multiple empires, including the Achaemenids, Parthians, and Sassanids. Even after the Muslim conquest, this festival remained a staple in various cultures influenced by Persian heritage, showcasing the resilience of its celebration through time.

Preparing for Nowruz: Traditions and Customs

The weeks leading up to Nowruz are filled with excitement and preparations. Iranians engage in various rituals, starting with spring cleaning, known as "Khaneh Tekani." This practice involves thoroughly cleaning homes and workplaces to make way for the new year, symbolizing a fresh start and the removal of the old.

Another essential tradition during this time is buying new clothes, which signifies renewal and personal growth. Shopping malls become lively hubs as families prepare for the upcoming festivities. In fact, many people eagerly look forward to both the shopping and the celebrations that follow.

One of the most iconic aspects of Nowruz is the setting up of the Haft Seen table, or "Sofreh Haftseen." This beautifully arranged table includes seven symbolic items, each starting with the letter "S" in Persian, representing different aspects of life. Here are the items typically found on the Haft Seen table:

1. Sabzeh (Sprouts): Symbolizes rebirth and renewal, representing the growth of life.

2. Seeb (Apple): Signifies beauty and health, often polished to create a shiny appearance.

3. Sir (Garlic): Represents health and protection from illness, showcasing the importance of well-being.

4. Senjed (Russian Olive): Symbolizes love and compassion, reminding everyone of the warmth of human connections.

5. Samanu (Persian Pudding): Represents fertility and the sweetness of life, made from wheat.

6. Sekkeh (Coins): Symbolizes wealth and prosperity, bringing good fortune for the New Year.

7. Sumac (Sumac Spice): Represents a new day and the beauty of life’s changes.

In addition to these items, families often include a mirror to symbolize reflection, candles representing light and happiness, and a holy book—either the Quran or poetry from Hafez—to invite purity and wisdom into their lives.

Celebrations and Greetings

As the moment of "Sal Tahvil" (the exact time of the New Year) approaches, families gather around the Haft Seen table. They share prayers, well-wishes, and gifts—known as "Eydi"—to celebrate the arrival of the new year. A common greeting during this special time is “Nowruz Mubarak,” which means “Happy Nowruz.”

Traditionally, Nowruz is a time for families to come together for feasts and celebrations. Friends and relatives visit each other’s homes, offering a variety of sweets, pastries, and festive dishes. It's a great time for families to reconnect and strengthen their bonds.

A Culinary Delight: Nowruz Foods

Persian cuisine shines during Nowruz celebrations, with unique dishes prepared to mark the occasion. Commonly served meals include:

- Sabzi Polow: A fragrant herb rice dish often accompanied by fish, symbolizing prosperity and abundance.

- Reshteh Polow: A delicious rice mixed with noodles, typically served with meat, representing the unravelling of life's complexities in the New Year.

- Ash Reshteh: A hearty noodle soup packed with greens and legumes, symbolizing a rich and fulfilling life.

- Baghali Polow: Rice cooked with dill and broad beans, often served with lamb, representing the bounty of nature.

Each region in Iran also has its own traditional sweets and pastries for Nowruz. Popular treats include Shirini Nokhodchi (chickpea cookies), Qorabieh (almond cookies), and Qottab (fried pastries filled with nuts), each adding a unique flavor to the celebrations.

Beyond Iran: Nowruz Across Cultures

Nowruz is not exclusive to Iran; it is celebrated by many nations that were once part of the ancient Persian Empire. Azerbaijanis, Afghans, Kurds, and others embrace the festivities, each infusing their customs and traditions into the celebration. This shared cultural heritage helps to strengthen the bonds among these diverse populations, even as they maintain their unique identities.

Sizdah Bedar: A Day of Nature

As the celebrations draw to a close, Iranians observe Sizdah Bedar on the 13th of Farvardin, a day dedicated to nature and outdoor activities. This day signifies a final chance for families to picnic in parks and natural settings, celebrating spring’s arrival and the beauty of the world around them.

On Sizdah Bedar, families often bring their Haft Seen sprouts to a river or stream, releasing them into nature as a symbolic gesture of letting go and asking for fertility and abundance in the new year. Many people also enjoy games, laughter, and delicious food, creating vibrant memories with loved ones.

Conclusion

Nowruz is a vibrant celebration filled with rich traditions and deep cultural significance, marking the Persian New Year and the arrival of spring. The customs, from the delightful Haft Seen table to joyful family gatherings, showcase the richness of Persian culture and the values of unity and hope.

As people across the globe welcome the arrival of spring and the new year, Nowruz serves as a reminder of renewal, community, and the enduring spirit of life that carries us into this exciting new season. So, whether you are familiar with the celebration or new to it, Nowruz promises to bring joy, warmth, and hope for the future.