What exactly IS Nowrouz (Persian New Year)?

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.