Nowruz, Persian New Year Celebration
Persian New Year, also known as Nowruz (Farsi: نوروز, [no-ruz]), is the celebration of the first day of spring and the beginning of the Iranian calendar. It is a time for families to come together and celebrate new beginnings and hope for the future. This ancient holiday has been celebrated for thousands of years and is a major cultural event in Iran, and many other Central Asian countries.
Nowruz is typically celebrated for 13 days, starting on March 20 or 21, with a variety of customs and traditions. Family and friends gather to exchange gifts, share traditional foods, and decorate homes with fresh flowers and colorful decorations.
Nowruz is the biggest Persian feast that started 2,500 years ago and continues to be celebrated every year. Nowruz comes with special ceremonies, foods, and gatherings.
Haft Sin
One of the most important symbols of Nowruz is the Haft-Seen table, which is set up in homes and contains seven items that symbolize renewal and hope. These items include apples, garlic, coins, a mirror, rosewater, and dried fruits.
In the ancient Iranian language, the number seven is attributed to “Amradad” and means life and immortality. In general, the number seven is very sacred and auspicious for Iranians, and they take it as a good omen. Haft Khuan Rostam, Haft Shahr Eshgh, Haft Asman, etc. are examples that show the importance of this number for them.
Haft Sin Items
1. Senjed (Oleaster)
The presence of elderberry on the Haft Sin table indicates doing “judicious” things. Because the elderberry is considered a symbol of measured action and a tendency to reason. Others consider Sanjad a symbol of love and affection and believe that its presence on the Haft Sin table increases love and affection between family members.
2. Sib (apple)
The apple on the Haft Sin table is a symbol of health and well-being, and its presence on the table brings health to the members of that family until the end of the year and keeps them away from any disease.
3. Sabzeh (wheat sprouts growing in a dish)
Sabzeh is a symbol of happiness, liveliness, peace, sacrifice, and life, and its presence on the Haft Sin table brings happiness and refreshment to family members. Some consider sabzeh as a symbol of the angel of May.
4. Samanoo
Semnu is a symbol of strength, goodness, and blessing. Semno is made from wheat, and because of its strength, it is also called the food of a man. Its presence on the Haft Sin table brings strength, patience, and justice to family members.
5. Sir (Garlic)
There are several reasons for the presence of garlic in the Haft Sin table. Some consider it a symbol of Ahura Mazda and a symbol of health and well-being. Some people have mentioned the medicinal properties of garlic and consider it a symbol of curing diseases in the New Year. Dignity, disinfection, purification of the environment, protection against evil, and guardian of the table are also some of the symbols mentioned for garlic.
6. Serkeh (Vinegar)
Vinegar is considered a symbol of immortality, and its presence on the Haft Sin table is known for removing the hardships of life. Some also believe that vinegar is a symbol of satisfaction and invites us to accept the hardships of life.
7. Somagh (Sumac)
Sumac is considered to be a symbol of patience, tolerance, and endurance, and its presence in the Haft Sin table reminds us that we should pass the coming year with patience and tolerance.
Persian New Year
In addition to the Haft-Seen table, there are many other rituals associated with Nowruz, such as jumping over bonfires to ward off evil spirits, visiting family and friends to exchange greetings, playing games, and participating in outdoor activities. In cities and towns, there are often large public celebrations with music, dancing, and food.
Persian New Year is an important time for reflection and renewal, and a celebration of the start of a new year and the arrival of spring. Whether you are of Persian descent or not, it is a time to celebrate the hope and joy of a new beginning and to look forward to a bright future.
In conclusion, Nowruz is a rich and vibrant cultural event that has been celebrated for thousands of years. It is a time for families and communities to come together and celebrate new beginnings, hope, and joy. So, if you have the opportunity, take part in the festivities and experience the magic of this ancient holiday for yourself!
For this year celebration we prepared a pack of Haft Sin items and other Nowruz essentials for you, you can shop online at our online store.
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