Nowrouz means New Day in
Farsi, and is a celebration of the first day of spring, the renewal of the
Earth, (Spring Equinox) and the beginning of the Iranian calendar. Originally a
Zoroastrian tradition, it dates back to approximately 6000 BC and is symbolized
by King Jamshid, who legend says is the creator of Nowrouz.
There are several traditions involved with Nowrouz. Most people
prepare by cleaning their houses, buying new clothing, and buying gifts for
family and friends, but perhaps one of the most important traditions is putting
together a Haft-Seen, which is a table with seven items beginning
with the letter “S.” A Haft-Seen includes (to name a few):
-
Sabzeh (grown
wheat): Rebirth
-
Samanu (wheat germ
pudding): Affluence
-
Senjed (dried fruit
of oleaster tree): Love
-
Seer (garlic): Good health/Medicine
-
Sib (apple): Beauty and health
-
Somag (sumac): Color of sunrise
-
Serkeh (vinegar): Age and patience
The
night of the last Wednesday of the old year is Chaharshanbe
Suri, a celebration of light, where people jump over fires to symbolize
the burning of anything bad from the past year. Overall, Nowrouz includes
thirteen days. The thirteenth is called “Sizdah Bedar” which
is a representation of passing the bad luck of the thirteenth day. This is a
day of festivity that is celebrated by a family picnic.
