Nowruz, traditional new year celebration

Vol 27, Issue 21

Today, I want to talk about one of the world’s most traditional New Year celebrations: Nowruz, the Iranian New Year.

Nowruz dates back more than 3,000 years ago and is now celebrated by many people all over the world. In Iran, the new year begins with the start of spring, and this traditional celebration lasts for 13 days, usually starting on March 20 or 21.

Nowruz means “New Day” in Persian, but it is more than just the beginning of a new year. It is a time for happiness and hope. This celebration emphasizes the harmony between humans and nature, which is why, on the 13th of spring, people spend time outdoors in nature, enjoying and sharing happiness with each other.

UNESCO has recognized Nowruz as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, highlighting Persian cultural and historical importance.

Nowruz has some preparation that starts with cleaning, in Iran, known as Khaneh Tekani, where people clean their homes and buy new clothes, especially for children.

One of the traditions that I love more than others is that during these 13-day celebrations, family and friends visit each other’s homes and exchange gifts, usually in the form of money. Families also buy traditional foods, sweets, and snacks for their guests.

One of the most iconic traditions of Nowruz is Haft-Seen, seven symbolic items, each starting with “S”, put on a table and in the moment of changing the year all family members stay across this table. These include:

• Sabzeh (sprouted wheat or lentils): Symbol of birth and growth.
• Samanu (a sweet pudding like Mämmi in Finland): to show strength and prosperity.
• Senjed (dried oleaster fruit): A symbol of love and wisdom.
• Sir (garlic): Symbol of health and protection.
• Sib (apple, preferably the red apple): Symbol of beauty and health.
• Somaq (sumac): Representing the sunrise and patience.
• Serkeh (vinegar): Symbol of wisdom and aging.

In addition, the most traditional food in Nowruz is fish with rice (Sabzi Polo ba Mahi in Persian). On the first day, most people visit their grandparents’ homes to celebrate together.

Nowruz is rich in happiness, and it is a meaningful celebration where people come together to appreciate life, family, nature, and whatever they have. It is time for planning for the next year.