The Persian New Year: Nowruz, Explained

Nowruz is a big occasion for multitudes of people all around the world. Imagine a combination of Christmas, New Year's, and the Fourth of July, with fireworks, delectable meats, rice, and spices, family get-togethers, street dances, and loud pot music. Nowruz is a national New Year's celebration observed in Central Asia, Iran, Afghanistan, Turkey, and Kurdish territories. 

It's a springtime event with activities that depict rebirth and the link between humans and nature. Nowruz is a two-week festival that emphasizes visiting family, spending time outside, and honoring traditions. The phrase "Nowruz" means "new day" in Farsi, and it can be found in their ancient symbols and ceremonies.

When is Nowruz?

The spring equinox, when the sun crosses the equator and day and night are of equal duration, marks the start of Nowruz.

Nowruz usually stars between the 19-21 March, this year, Nowruz is due to begin on the 20th of March according to the astronomical calculations.

What are some of Persian New Year's traditions and rituals?

A major ritual is to build a Haft-seen shrine in your home, which means "seven S's" in Persian. Each person selects 7 objects that have personal significance for them. You arrange seven symbols or characteristics on your altar whose name begins with the letter S in Farsi, thee symbols signify what you'd want to bring in for the next year. For example, apples are excellent for signifying good health, eggs symbolize fertility, wheatgrass for rebirth and rejuvenation and a gold coin is good for signifying wealth and abundance. Each person selects objects that have personal significance for them.

Due to the event taking place over the course of two weeks. Another tradition is taking the wheatgrass you've been growing on your altar and placing it near some flowing water at the end of the festival. The Wheatgrass is tied in knots and then thrown into rushing water. It'd float away, along with your aspirations and goals for the coming year. 

Is Food Important In Nowruz?

Food plays an important role in all cultural ceremonies. As it is a spring event, a variety of greens and fresh herbs are consumed. For example, a beautiful herb and spinach frittata known as Kuku Sabzi is always served during the first day of the new year in a home. The frittata is served with flatbreads, diced tomatoes, and pickles and is fragrant and delicious. 

Fish is traditionally eaten over herb-flecked rice loaded with dill, parsley, and chives as the very first meal of the Persian New Year. The two-week celebration is an occasion to unite with friends and family to celebrate. It is also tradition to visit people's houses and consume a lot of delectable sweets and pastries.

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