Nowruz, also spelled as Norouz, Navruz, or Nawruz, is a traditional festival that marks the Persian New Year and the arrival of spring. It is celebrated by various communities in different countries, particularly those with Persian and Central Asian cultural backgrounds. Nowruz has ancient roots dating back thousands of years and is deeply intertwined with the cultural, historical, and religious traditions of these regions.
The word “Nowruz” means “new day” in Persian, highlighting the theme of renewal, rejuvenation, and the start of a new year. The festival typically takes place on or around the spring equinox, which falls on March 20th or 21st in the Northern Hemisphere.
Nowruz celebrations vary across different countries and communities, but they often include several common customs and rituals:
Haft-Seen Table: One of the central elements of Nowruz is the Haft-Seen table, a decorative spread featuring seven symbolic items whose names start with the Persian letter “س” pronounced as “seen.” These items usually include sprouted wheat or lentils (sabzeh) symbolizing rebirth, apples (sib) for beauty, garlic (sir) for medicine, vinegar (serkeh) for patience, sumac berries (somāq) for sunrise, dried oleaster fruits (senjed) for love, and samanu (a sweet pudding) for affluence. Each item carries specific meanings and represents wishes for the new year.
Spring Cleaning: Before Nowruz, homes are thoroughly cleaned and decorated to welcome the new year with freshness and positivity. This tradition is known as “Khoneh Takooni.”
Visiting Family and Friends: Nowruz is a time for socializing, reconnecting with loved ones, and exchanging gifts and good wishes. People often gather for festive meals and gatherings.
Chaharshanbe Suri: This is a fire-jumping festival held on the eve of the last Wednesday before Nowruz. People jump over bonfires while reciting traditional chants to symbolically rid themselves of negative energies and welcome blessings and good fortune in the new year.
Traditional Foods: Special dishes and sweets are prepared for Nowruz, including Sabzi Polo ba Mahi (herb rice with fish), Ash Reshteh (a type of noodle soup), Dolma (stuffed vegetables), and desserts like baklava and pastries.
Nowruz is not only a time for celebration but also a significant cultural and spiritual event that promotes unity, renewal, and the appreciation of nature’s cycles. It is recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, highlighting its importance and impact across different cultures and communities.
