The Persian New Year: A Celebration of Spring, New Life and New Beginnings
Spring is one of the most beautiful and joyful seasons of the year. In the words of Robin Williams: “Spring is nature's way of saying, 'Let's party!'” This year, I want to share with you how centuries ago, Persian people have been celebrating Norooz (or Nowruz), the traditional Iranian festival of Spring, also known as the Persian New Year.
Nowruz, Naz Kobari, Acrylic on canvas Board https://www.nazkobariartistry.com/new-products/nowruz
No-Rooz means "New Day". It’s the new day that starts the year, traditionally the exact astronomical beginning of Spring. And by the way, you don’t need to be Persian to celebrate it and have fun with your friends and family.
My ancestors considered No-Rooz as the most important celebration of the year. Before this holiday, they start cleaning their houses and buying new clothes. You can think about it as an annual Spring Cleaning, where you get rid of everything old and negative, holding on to what is important and timeless, and welcoming new, positive energy into your life.
Grandma’s Quilt, Naz Kobari, Silk scarf https://www.nazkobariartistry.com/ourscarves/dynasty-patchwork
For me, the most fun and important part of the celebration is a setting of Haft Seen, a celebration table with specific items and a lot of symbolism behind each. Sharing delicious food, exchanging gifts and good wishes always has a soothing, heartwarming affect.
There are seven specific items starting with the letter “S”
Seeb (Apple) – symbolizes Beauty
Sabze (Green Grass) wheat, barley, mung bean or lentil sprouts grown in a dish – symbolizes Rebirth
Serke (Vinegar) – symbolizes Age and Patience
Samanoo (a meal made from Wheat) sweet pudding made from wheat germ – symbolizes Affluence
Senjed (Dried Fruit of the oleaster tree) – symbolizes Love
Seer (Garlic) – symbolizes Health
Sumac (Berries) – colors of Sunset
Some items are also known to have astrological correlations to the planets Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Sun and the Moon. Non-S items of historical and cultural significance on the table may also include a mirror, candles, painted eggs, a bowl of water, goldfish, coins, flowers and traditional confectioneries.
Egg, one for each member of the family – symbolizes Fertility
Goldfish – symbolizes Life
Mirror – symbolizes Purity and Happiness
Candles – symbolizes Light
Tulips and hyacinth – symbolize Spring bloom or new life
Rose water – symbolize cleansing Powers
A crystal bowl of water with an orange in it symbolizes the Earth floating in space.
A "book of wisdom" such as the Quran, Bible, Avesta, the Šāhnāme of Ferdowsi or the divān of Hafez, or your favorite book of poetry and wisdom may also be included.
As you see, Persian New Year is a wonderful way to celebrate Spring, set new goals, clean the house, do some shopping and cooking, and it’s a wonderful reason to get together with family and friends!
And, if you’re going to shop for new clothes, take a look at some of my silk scarves with Persian designs to complement any ensemble, or pillow covers to add that special look of new life to your home, office or business.
