Nowruz (prounced “no-rooz”) is a very historical celebration with its roots going back to somewhere in the range of 3,000 years ago and also in Zoroastrianism, the ancient Persian religion that predates both Christianity and Islam. Nowruz is celebrated with millions all around the world and has been formally recognized by UN as an international holiday in 2010.
Preparation for Nowruz starts actually weeks earlier. Almost everyone, in its own way, starts cleaning the house and getting rid of anything unnecessary. Iranians believe that they have to wash the grim of the last year and get into the new year fresh and clean. Shopping is also an important part for the people in this process of renewal. Bazars and streets are crowded and you can see people everywhere trying to buy the things they need for the Nowruz.
A unique feature of Nowruz celebration is “haft-seen” table; a collection of different items (that their names start with “s” in Persian) that symbolizes different hopes and concepts for new year. The table includes:
Sabzeh: Some kind of sprout or grass that will continue to grow in the weeks leading up to the holiday, for rebirth and renewal
Senjed: Dried fruit, ideally a sweet fruit from a lotus tree, for love
Sib: Apples, for beauty and health
Seer: Garlic, for medicine and taking care of oneself
Samanu: A sweet pudding, for wealth and fertility
Serkeh: Vinegar, for the patience and wisdom that comes with aging
Sumac: A Persian spice made from crushed sour red berries, for the sunrise of a new day
You can also find mirror symbolizing reflection, colored eggs for fertility, coins for prosperity, and a live goldfish for new life. Quran or Hafiz poetry are also included by some families.
As Nowruz arrives, a 13-day celebration starts with visits renew the family ties and friendship relations. The 13th day, known as Sizdah-be- dar or officially as day of nature, is the day families gather together in parks, gardens or simply in nature. They took the sabzeh of the haft-seen with them to the nature to strength ties with nature and get ready for new days.
Nowruz, although celebrates arrival of new year and spring, is an opportunity for enhancing family ties, community relations and respecting the traditions. It is a way to push aside sadness and grim and have a new start.
Happy Nowruz!