Nowruz

 
, also known as Persian New Year, is a major celebration that marks the beginning of spring and the start of a new year in the Iranian calendar. This holiday is celebrated in Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and some other countries that have Persian roots. Nowruz has been celebrated for over 3,000 years, making it one of the oldest surviving traditions in the world.

The celebration of Nowruz usually takes place on the vernal equinox, which falls on March 20 or 21 each year. The name "Nowruz" comes from the Persian words "now" and "ruz," which mean "new day" in English. The holiday is celebrated for a period of 13 days, and each day has its own special significance.

Preparation for Nowruz usually begins several weeks before the actual holiday. Families begin by cleaning their homes from top to bottom, symbolizing a fresh start for the new year. They also purchase new clothing and other items to wear on the holiday. Additionally, they prepare a traditional table setting known as "Haft Seen," which includes seven items that start with the Persian letter "sin" and symbolize different aspects of life. These items typically include:

• Sabzeh: sprouts, which symbolize rebirth and growth
• Seeb: apples, which represent health and beauty
• Serkeh: vinegar, which represents age and patience
• Senjed: dried fruit, which represents love and affection
• Samanu: a sweet pudding made from wheat germ, which symbolizes wealth and fertility
• Somagh: sumac berries, which represent the sunrise and the warmth of the sun
• Sir: garlic, which represents medicine and health

Other items that may be included on the Haft Seen table include a mirror, which represents reflection and self-awareness, and a copy of the Quran or other religious texts.

On the night before Nowruz, families gather together to celebrate with a traditional meal known as "sabzi polo mahi." This dish consists of rice with herbs and fish and is served with various side dishes and desserts. During the meal, families exchange gifts and share stories and memories from the past year.

On the day of Nowruz, families usually visit each other's homes and exchange greetings and gifts. Children often receive money and sweets from their elders, and families may also visit the graves of their loved ones to pay their respects. Many people also participate in a traditional game called "tokhme morgh," which involves two people cracking eggs together and seeing whose egg remains unbroken.

Throughout the 13 days of Nowruz, there are various other traditions and customs that are observed. For example, on the sixth day, known as "Sizdah Bedar," families typically spend the day outdoors in parks and other natural settings, enjoying picnics and other activities. This day is believed to be a time of purification and renewal, and it is considered bad luck to stay indoors.

In addition to its cultural and religious significance, Nowruz is also an important time for commerce and business in many parts of the world. Many businesses and government offices close during the holiday, and people typically take time off from work to celebrate with their families.

Overall, Nowruz is a time of celebration, reflection, and renewal. It is a time for families to come together and celebrate the start of a new year, as well as to honor their cultural heritage and traditions. Whether you are of Persian descent or simply interested in learning more about this ancient holiday, Nowruz is a celebration that is well worth experiencing.