Nowruz - Persian New Year
When is Nowruz 2025: Thu, Mar 20, 2025, 2:01 AM
Nowruz Meaning and Orgins
Nowruz, meaning "new day," is an ancient Persian celebration marking the arrival of spring and the beginning of the new year. With origins dating back over 3,000 years to Zoroastrian traditions, Nowruz symbolizes renewal and rebirth. It is celebrated widely across Iran, Central Asia, and other parts of the world.
One of the most important pre-Nowruz events is Chaharshanbe Suri, the Iranian fire ritual before Nowruz. On the eve of the last Wednesday before Nowruz, participants jump over bonfires, symbolically "burning away" the past year's ills and bad luck. Understanding the Chaharshanbe Suri meaning is essential to grasp the cleansing and purifying significance of this ritual.
Nowruz Traditions: The Haft-Seen
One of the most important aspects of Nowruz is setting up the Haft-Seen Table, a symbolic arrangement of seven items that all begin with the letter "S" (س) in Persian. Each item carries deep meaning and represents various aspects of life and prosperity:
1)Sabzeh (سبزه) – Sprouted wheatgrass symbolizing rebirth and the renewal of nature. 2)Samanu (سمنو) – A sweet pudding made from wheat germ, representing strength and power.
3)Senjed (سنجد) – Dried oleaster fruit symbolizing love and the blossoming of life.
4)Seer (سیر) – Garlic, representing medicine and good health.
5)Seeb (سیب) – Apples, representing beauty and good health.
6)Somāq (سماق) – Sumac, symbolizing the sunrise and the triumph of light over darkness.
7)Serkeh (سرکه) – Vinegar, symbolizing patience, wisdom, and the acceptance of aging.
In addition to these seven symbolic items, many families include additional elements such as:
-A mirror to reflect the past and look toward the future
-Candles representing light and enlightenment
-Painted eggs symbolizing fertility
-A goldfish representing life and new beginnings
The Haft-Seen table is typically placed in the main area of the home, serving as a focal point for the celebration and a symbol of health, happiness, and prosperity in the new year.
Other Nowruz Key Traditions and Celebrations
Beyond the Haft-Seen table, Nowruz is filled with rich and meaningful traditions. Sizdah Bedar, celebrated on the 13th day of Nowruz, marks the end of the festivities with a day spent outdoors in nature.
Families gather for picnics, symbolically casting away any lingering bad luck as they immerse themselves in the renewal of spring. This tradition underscores the importance of embracing nature and the outdoors as part of the new year's fresh start.
In the days leading up to Nowruz, families also focus on preparing their homes with Nowruz decorations. Fresh flowers, like hyacinths and tulips, mirrors, and beautifully painted eggs are often used to adorn the house. These decorations symbolize the rebirth and renewal associated with spring and Nowruz itself.
Another integral part of the holiday is the exchange of Nowruz gifts, often small symbolic tokens of appreciation or sweets shared among family and friends. These gifts reflect the goodwill and joy that come with the new year, bringing happiness and prosperity to those who receive them.
Common Nowruz Sayings and Greetings
Throughout the Nowruz celebrations, it is common to exchange greetings like "Nowruz Mobarak" and "Nowruz Pirooz". What does Nowruz Mobarak mean? Nowruz Mobarak means "Happy Nowruz," while Nowruz Pirooz translates to "Victorious Nowruz," symbolizing wishes for a successful and prosperous year.
For those wondering how to say Happy Nowruz in Persian, the phrase is "Eid-e Shoma Mobarak," which is often used in formal greetings, whether written or spoken.
As the new year approaches, people share these greetings and exchange Nowruz gifts as tokens of appreciation and good fortune for the coming year. Gifts such as sweets, money, or small symbolic items are common, and they are often accompanied by vibrant Nowruz decorations like the beautifully arranged Haft-Seen table, which represents health, prosperity, and happiness.