Persian New Year: Celebrating Nowruz on the First Day of Spring

What day is the Persian New Year? The Persian New Year, known as Nowruz (meaning new day in Persian) marks the beginning of spring and it has been celebrated for over 3000 years in the Balkans, the Black Sea Basin, the Caucasus, Central Asia, and Western Asia. This colorful and joyous festival has been gaining popularity around the world and it is an opportunity to embrace diversity, promote world peace, and respect cultural heritage.

The exact date of the Persian New Year varies every year, but it always falls on the first day of the vernal equinox, which usually occurs on March 20th or 21st. The vernal equinox is the moment when the sun crosses the celestial equator from south to north, and day and night are approximately equal in length all over the world. This astronomical event has been observed by many civilizations and it has been associated with the renewal and rebirth of nature.

Nowruz is a time-honored tradition that has survived many historical, social, and political changes. It is a reminder of the resilience and creativity of the Persian people, who have managed to preserve their culture and identity despite many challenges. Nowruz is a time for families to gather, exchange gifts, share meals, and participate in various rituals and games that symbolize purity, abundance, and prosperity.

The preparations for Nowruz start weeks in advance, as people clean their homes, buy new clothes, decorate their tables with symbolic items, and prepare traditional dishes such as sabzi polo (herbed rice with fish or chicken), kuku sabzi (herbed omelet), and ash reshteh (noodle soup with herbs and legumes). Many people also purchase haft sin (seven S's), which is a set of seven items that start with the letter S in Persian and represent different aspects of life such as wisdom, love, health, wealth, and fertility.

Nowruz is not just a Persian festival, but a global celebration of diversity and harmony. It has been recognized by the United Nations as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity, and it has been celebrated by millions of people from different backgrounds and religions all over the world. Nowruz is a time to embrace the beauty and richness of different cultures, to learn from each other, and to promote peace and understanding.

In conclusion, what day is the Persian New Year? Nowruz is celebrated on the first day of the vernal equinox, which usually falls on March 20th or 21st. Nowruz is a time-honored tradition that symbolizes renewal, rebirth, and prosperity. It is a global festival that promotes diversity, harmony, and peace. Nowruz is a reminder of the resilience and creativity of the Persian people, and a call for all of us to celebrate our differences and connect with each other on a deeper level. Whether you are Persian or not, whether you celebrate Nowruz or not, let us all join hands and wish each other a happy and prosperous new year.

"What Day Is The Persian New Year" ~ bbaz

The Celebration of Persian New Year

Introduction

Every year, Persians around the world gather to celebrate their New Year, also known as Nowruz. This joyous occasion is one of the oldest and most significant celebrations in Persia, dating back over 3000 years. The Persian New Year is celebrated on the first day of spring, when nature comes back to life after the winter.

When is Persian New Year?

The Persian New Year usually falls on March 21st or 22nd, depending on the exact moment of the vernal equinox. However, the exact date can vary by a day or two due to different time zones and leap years. This year, Persian New Year will be celebrated on March 21st, 2022.

The History of Persian New Year

Nowruz has its roots in Zoroastrianism, one of the world's oldest religions, which originated in ancient Persia. Originally, Nowruz was a rural holiday celebrated by farmers to mark the start of the planting season. It was later transformed into a national holiday and became a symbol of Persian identity. Today, it is celebrated by millions of people around the world, regardless of religion or ethnicity.

Preparations for Persian New Year

Preparations for Nowruz usually start weeks in advance. Persians traditionally clean their homes from top to bottom to get rid of any negativity and prepare for a fresh start. They also set up a special table called Haft-Seen which contains seven items starting with the letter S. These items represent elements of life and power, such as garlic for health, apples for beauty, and coins for wealth.

Celebrating Persian New Year

Persian New Year celebrations usually last for thirteen days, with the first day being the most important. On this day, families usually gather around the Haft-Seen table and recite poetry, exchange gifts, and eat traditional food such as Sabzi Polo Mahi (herbed rice with fish) and baklava. Children also receive money from their elders as a New Year's gift.

Symbolism of Persian New Year

Nowruz symbolizes renewal, hope, and love. It represents the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. The green sprouts that are a part of the Haft-seen table represent rebirth and new life, while the mirror symbolizes reflection and the ability to self-reflect.

Global Recognition of Persian New Year

In 2010, the United Nations added Persian New Year to the list of intangible cultural heritage of humanity. This recognition highlighted the significance of Nowruz as a cultural event celebrated by millions of people around the world.

Persian New Year in the Age of Covid-19

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected Persian New Year celebrations for the second year in a row. Many Persians have had to cancel their plans of traveling to see family members due to travel restrictions and health concerns. However, technology has allowed people to connect virtually and celebrate together through Zoom calls and other online platforms.

Conclusion

Persian New Year is a significant celebration that marks the beginning of a new year, new life and new hopes. With its rich history, traditions and symbolism, it serves as a reminder of the diversity of cultures and beliefs across the world. Even in the midst of a pandemic, Persians continue to celebrate Nowruz and keep its spirit alive.

What Day Is The Persian New Year?

The Persian New Year is a widely celebrated occasion in Iran and other parts of the world where people of Persian descent reside. Known as Nowruz, it is a time to usher in the new year with family, friends, and communities alike. Depending on the region, Nowruz is usually observed over several days that culminate on March 21st or 22nd. In this article, we will compare the similarities and differences of Nowruz celebrations across different regions.

The Origins of Nowruz

Nowruz has been celebrated for over 3,000 years dating back to the ancient Persian Empire. Its roots are based in Zoroastrianism, the ancient Persian religion which saw Nowruz as a celebration of the rebirth of nature. The holiday falls on the spring equinox when day and night are equal. It has since been adopted by many religions and cultures, including Shia and Sunni Muslims, Baha'is, and Kurds.

Nowruz in Iran

In Iran, Nowruz is a national holiday that starts on March 20th or 21st and lasts for 13 days. People usually start with a deep cleaning of their homes (known as “khaneh tekani”) and then decorate them with flowers, springtime decorations, and symbols like fish, eggs, and grains. Many families set a “haft seen” table, which is a traditional display of seven specific items that represent health, fertility, happiness, and other blessings. These items include garlic, wheat or lentil sprouts, apples, coins, and a mirror. Iranians also visit one another, exchange gifts, and eat traditional foods like sweetmeats and herbed rice dishes.

Nowruz in Azerbaijan

Nowruz in Azerbaijan is also known as “Novruz Bayrami.” It typically starts on March 20th and lasts for several days. Similar to Iran, people celebrate by preparing traditional dishes, visiting friends and family, and spring-cleaning their homes. One of the interesting traditions of Azerbaijan is the lighting of bonfires in public squares, accompanied by music and dancing. This is done to symbolize purification.

Nowruz in Tajikistan

In Tajikistan, Nowruz is a public holiday that lasts for five days. The first day is called “Sizdah Be-dar,” which means “thirteen outdoors.” People spend the day in parks or countryside picnicking and enjoying outdoor activities. Flower arranging, wood carving, and painting eggs are some other popular customs. People also visit family and friends and exchange gifts. On the last day of Nowruz, they head to rivers or streams to throw away the Sabzeh (sprouted wheat) that was placed on the “haft seen” table at the beginning of the New Year.

Nowruz in Afghanistan

Nowruz is a national holiday in Afghanistan that’s celebrated for two weeks starting on March 21st or 22nd. People prepare for the day by cleaning their homes and getting new clothes and shoes. They also usually get haircuts and buy flowers. A day before the New Year, they set out a “haft mewa” table containing seven types of dried fruit and nuts. On the day itself, families go to each other’s houses, enjoy traditional meals like “samanak” (a sweet pudding), and exchange presents.

Nowruz in Kurdistan

Nowruz in Kurdistan (which covers parts of Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Iran) is an important celebration rooted in ancient customs. People decorate their homes with flowers and objects that represent spring, renewals, and new beginnings. Kurdish families gather around a “haft seen” table that contains seven objects starting with the “S” sound, such as apples, garlic, and sumac berries. Fast-rising dough made of wheat or barley called Kulicha is also a common dish eaten during Nowruz.

Comparison Table

Region	Start Date	Duration	Cleaning Rituals	Traditional Decorations	Specialty Food	Other Significant Customs
Iran	March 20-21st	13 Days	Khaneh Tekani	“Haft Seen” table	Sabzi Polo Ba Mahi	Visiting relatives, exchanging gifts
Azerbaijan	March 20th	Several Days	Spring cleaning	Bonfires in public squares	Samani, shekerbura	Spring cleaning and purification in preparation for New Year
Tajikistan	March 21st	5 Days	Spring cleaning	Flower arrangements	Qurutob, fried rice with raisins & carrots	Sizdah Bedar - 13 outdoors; throwing away the Sabzeh (sprouted wheat)
Afghanistan	March 21-22nd	2 Weeks	New clothes, haircuts, flowers	Haft Mewa table	Samanak, Nawrath	Families visits and gift exchanges
Kurdistan	March 21st	1 week	Spring cleaning	Haft Seen table	Kulicha	Songs, dancing, visiting relatives

Conclusion

The Persian New Year has been celebrated for thousands of years and has spread across many cultures and religions. Nowruz is a time to celebrate new beginnings, whether it be in nature, our personal lives, or our communities. While there may be variations in how different cultures celebrate the holiday, at its core, Nowruz is about coming together to reflect on the year that has passed and look forward to the year ahead.

What Day is the Persian New Year?

Introduction

The Persian New Year is one of the most important holidays in Iran and is celebrated by Iranians all over the world. This holiday, also known as Nowruz, marks the beginning of spring and symbolizes renewal, rebirth, and the start of a new cycle. In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about this important holiday.

Origin of the Persian New Year

The Persian New Year has its roots in ancient Persia and dates back over 3,000 years. It was originally celebrated by Zoroastrians and was later adopted by Muslims, who continue to celebrate it today. Nowruz is celebrated on the first day of spring, which usually falls on March 20th or 21st.

Preparation for Nowruz

In the weeks leading up to Nowruz, Iranians begin preparing for the holiday by cleaning their homes, buying new clothes, and decorating with flowers. They also set up a special table called Haft-Seen, which is adorned with seven items that represent fertility, health, love, and purity.

Nowruz Celebrations

Nowruz is celebrated for 13 days and involves a range of traditions and customs. On the eve of the New Year, families gather around the Haft-Seen table to share a traditional meal and exchange gifts. The New Year is then officially welcomed with fireworks and public celebrations.

Traditional Foods

One of the key elements of Nowruz is the traditional foods that are enjoyed during the holiday. Sabzi Polo Mahi, a dish made with rice and fish, is a popular staple, as are sweets like baklava and halva. Many families also make samanu, a sweet pudding made from wheat germ, for the holiday.

Nowruz Around the World

Nowruz is celebrated not just in Iran but in many other countries as well, including Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. In recent years, the holiday has become more widely recognized in the United States and other Western countries.

Gifting During Nowruz

Gifting during Nowruz is a long-standing tradition. Family members gift each other with small tokens of goodwill, usually cash or coins, which are placed on the Haft-Seen table. Children will also go door to door, dressed in traditional costumes, singing and collecting sweets and coins from their neighbors.

The End of Nowruz

The 13-day celebration comes to an end on the 13th day of the new year, known as Sizdah Bedar. On this day, families gather in parks and open spaces to have picnics and enjoy the outdoors. It is believed that staying indoors on this day will bring bad luck, so everyone spends the day outside.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Persian New Year is one of the most important holidays in Iran, marking the start of spring and symbolizing renewal and rebirth. From the preparation of Haft-Seen to the exchange of gifts and delicious food, Nowruz is a time of joy, family, and community. Whether you are Iranian or not, Nowruz is a holiday worth celebrating and learning more about.

What Day Is The Persian New Year?

Welcome to the world of Persian culture and traditions! One of the most important and unique customs celebrated by Persians is the Persian New Year, also know as Nowruz. It is a special occasion observed on the first day of spring, this year that falls on March 20th.

The word Nowruz comes from Persian language and signifies new day, which symbolizes the arrival of spring. This celebration has been an essential part of Persian culture for thousands of years and is recognized worldwide due to its significance and universal appeal.

Nowruz is not only a day of celebration but it marks a new beginning and a chance to start fresh. It is believed that the day brings luck, prosperity, happiness, and longevity along with families and friends gathering to participate in different rituals and customs.

Preparations for Nowruz begin several weeks ahead to ensure a smooth transition. Cleaning the house, buying new clothes, growing wheat or lentil sprouts all form a significant part of preparations.

From the beginning of March, markets and stores bustle with customers purchasing traditional items like goldfish, coins, honey, garlic, apples, and pastries, to keep at home or gift to loved ones during the New Year. These foods symbolize wealth, prosperity, sweetness, health, and happiness that are considered blessings for the coming year.

Another exciting aspect of Nowruz is the Haft-Seen table, which is a table decorated with seven items that begin with the Persian letter S. Each item represents a particular zodiac sign and symbolizes hope, prosperity, and renewal:

• Sabzeh (wheat, barley, or lentil sprouts)
• Samanu (sweet pudding made from wheat germ)
• Senjed (sweet dried fruit from lotus tree seeds)
• Sir (garlic)
• Sib (apples)
• Somaq (sumac berries)
• Serkeh (vinegar)

The first few days of Nowruz is typically reserved for celebrating with family. Spending time with relatives and friends, exchange gifts, and sightseeing are some ways to celebrate the occasion. It's also a custom to visit elders, especially grandparents, to pay respect, receive blessings, and show appreciation.

Another notable component of Nowruz is the Chaharshanbe Suri ceremony, which occurs on the last Wednesday of the Persian year. It's a fire jumping ritual to ward off evil spirits and cleanse oneself from grudges and negative thoughts. People jump over small bonfires while reciting Zardi-ye man az toh, sorkhi-ye toh az man (my yellow is yours, your red is mine). It brings a sense of camaraderie and solidarity to the society.

New Year’s Day is a momentous occasion in the Iranian calendar. Spectators also enjoy watching the traditional parades, carnivals, music performances, and street food vendors. The heartwarming reminder of the celebration brings people together every spring to celebrate the renewal of nature and begin the year with hope, joy, and positivity.

In conclusion, Persian New Year is a way of maintaining a deep connection with the culture of Iran while embracing new beginnings that come with the arrival of spring. It's a festival of rejuvenation, hope, and happiness that brings families and friends together to enjoy the festivities of the season. Mark March 20th, 2022, on your calendar, and celebrate the day with love, joy, and positive energy.

Happy Nowruz!

What Day Is The Persian New Year?

What is the Persian New Year?

The Persian New Year, also known as Nowruz, is a festival that marks the first day of spring and the beginning of the new year in the Persian calendar. It is a time for celebrating new beginnings, renewal, and hope.

When is the Persian New Year?

The Persian New Year usually falls on March 20th or 21st, which is the start of the vernal equinox. However, the exact date may vary depending on the astronomical calculations for the year.

What are some traditional customs associated with the Persian New Year?

Some common customs associated with the Persian New Year include:

1. Spring cleaning the home to welcome in the new year.
2. Decorating the home with symbolic items such as sprouts, candles, and mirror-work to represent growth, light, and reflection.
3. Preparing and sharing a special meal with family and friends.
4. Visiting friends and relatives and exchanging gifts.
5. Taking part in outdoor festivities such as picnics and kite flying.

What are some symbolic items associated with the Persian New Year?

Some common symbolic items associated with the Persian New Year include:

• Sabzeh (sprouts) - represents growth and rebirth.
• Samanu (sweet pudding) - represents wealth and fertility.
• Senjed (dried fruit of the lotus tree) - represents love.
• Sib (apple) - represents beauty and health.
• Somaq (sumac) - represents the sunrise and the victory of light over darkness.

Overall, the Persian New Year is a time for celebrating new beginnings and connecting with loved ones. With its rich history and cultural significance, it is an important holiday for millions of people around the world.