On March 20 or 21 each year (depending on the year), Nowruz (also spelled Norooz or Norouz) marks the vernal equinox and commences the Iranian new year.
Nowruz (pronounced “no-rooz”) is a 3,000-year-old tradition, which is spread across many days and events. Behind the culture of this event comes a lot of history. For starters, Nowruz means “new-day,” as it represents a fresh and new beginning. Around the country, and world, you’ll be seeing many events taking place with Iranians showing their national pride.
Here in Canada, Persians, Central Asians, Ismailis, and Kurdish all celebrate the new year, and in March 2009, the federal government passed a bill to designate the first day of spring each year as “Nowruz Day.”
Wishing people a happy Nowruz
Okay, so Farsi may not be the easiest language to pick up, but there are many ways and expressions for wishing Iranians the best for Nowruz. Your safest bet would just be to say “Happy Nowruz,” but if you want to impress your Iranian friend, go for “Nowruz Mobarak.”
What to bring as gifts
Typically when it’s Nowruz, it is custom to visit each other’s houses to ring in the new year, bringing gifts like flowers, sweets, or pastries.
The symbolic Haft-Seen table
Haft-Seen literally means “seven S.” During Nowruz, Iranians set up a special table filled with emblematic items, including the most important seven items beginning with the letter “seen” (S). Other complimentary settings such as goldfish, holy books, coloured eggs, and mirrors are often placed on the table as well.
The seven S items
- Sabzeh (wheatgrass): represents rebirth and fertility
- Sensed (jujube fruits): represents love and passion
- Seer (garlic): for good health and to ward off bad omens
- Serkeh (vinegar): represents old age and patience
- Somagh (sumac): represents the colour of dawn with its dark lavender colour
- Samanoo (wheat pudding): represents strength and preparedness for a new year
- Seeb (apple): represents natural beauty and health
The Nowruz holiday time is to the East as the Christmas season is to the West. It’s a very exciting and joyous set of days that anyone can partake in, with the most memorable moments being setting up the Haft-Seen table, visiting relatives, and celebrating over a meal.
The kids always enjoy it since they usually receive money as girts as well as being entertained by the iconic Haji Firuz, the bearer of spring who prances around singing and dancing with his tambourine.
You don’t have to be Iranian to enjoy this holiday around the world. Take your family to one of the many events going on around your community and explore the fascinating traditions and unique customs of Nowruz.
Embrace the culture, and don’t forget – Nowruz Mobarak!