Nowruz

Nowruz, also known as the Persian New Year, is an ancient festival that is celebrated in Iran and many other countries in the region. The festival marks the beginning of the new year in the Persian calendar and usually falls on the first day of spring, which is around March 20th. Nowruz is a time of renewal and rebirth, and it is one of the most important and cherished traditions in Iranian culture.

The origins of Nowruz can be traced back to the ancient Persian empire, which dates back over 3,000 years. The festival was originally celebrated as a Zoroastrian holiday, and it was later adopted by other cultures in the region. The word “Nowruz” itself means “new day” in Persian, and it reflects the idea of new beginnings and fresh starts.

One of the most important aspects of Nowruz is the Haft-Seen table, which is a special table that is set up in homes and public places during the festival. The table is usually decorated with seven symbolic items that begin with the Persian letter “sin”, which represents the number seven. These items include Sabzeh (wheat, barley or lentil sprouts), Samanu (sweet pudding made from wheat germ), Senjed (dried fruit of the lotus tree), Seer (garlic), Seeb (apple), Somāq (sumac berries) and Serkeh (vinegar).

In addition to the Haft-Seen table, Nowruz is also celebrated with various other customs and traditions, such as visiting relatives and friends, exchanging gifts, and participating in public festivities. Many Iranians also celebrate Nowruz by jumping over fires on the eve of the festival, which is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.

Nowruz is a time of joy, hope, and renewal in Iranian culture. It is a celebration of the changing of the seasons, the triumph of light over darkness, and the power of new beginnings. As such, it is a cherished tradition that is deeply rooted in the history and identity of the Iranian people.