If someone said to you “Happy Nowruz!” would you know what they meant?
You would if you were Persian. Nowruz is the Persian New Year. I’m not Persian but I have learned a little bit about the customs and traditions that are a part of this holiday. So! Much like I’m not Chinese, but I have no problems celebrating Chinese New Year; I’m not Persian (or Iranian), but I would be more than happy to celebrate it!
The word which is spelled different ways ~ Nauryz, Navruz, Nouruz or Nowrouz ~ means “new day” and it occurs on the first day of spring.
The main component of this holiday is the Haft-Sin which is the traditional table setting. On this table, one would usually see an arrangement of seven items which are seven symbols. Haft-Sin means “the Seven Seens”.
All of the items start with the letter S, in the Persian language and symbolize the following:
- sabzeh (sprouts) = New VegetableLife or Rebirth
- samanu (pudding) = Power
- senjed (dried oleaster) = Wisdom
- serkeh (vinegar) = Patience
- sib (apple) = Health and Beauty
- sir (garlic) = Medicine and Health
- somaq (sumac; a fruity spice) = Sunrise and Good Conquering Evil
Some tables also add other items which have certain symbolism:
- Candles = Light
- Coins = Wealth
- Eggs = Fertility
- Fish (or Goldfish) = Life
- Hyacinth = Spring
- Lotus fruit = Love
- Mirror = Reflection
In modern-day Iran, they celebrate for 2 weeks and the celebrations end in a special festival called ‘Sizdah Bedar’.
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What is Nowruz? Explained for non-Persians – SURFIRAN ~ https://t.co/OJrm1NJQHR via @flipboard #holidays #celebrations #PersianNewYear #IranianNewYear #HappyNowruz #FirstDayOfSpring #springequinox #culturaldiversity #culture #soceityandculture #traditions @surfiran
— Treathyl Fox (aka cmoneyspinner) ~ #Freelancer (@cmoneyspinner) March 18, 2020
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A Traditional Haft Sin Table Celebrating Nowruz https://t.co/ERJfdTZd7h pic.twitter.com/SMbKyDBBwl
— Tasnim News Agency (@Tasnimnews_EN) March 20, 2018
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/Nowruz/ (ﻧوروز ‘Persian new year’)
— Persian Language (@PersianUCSB) February 28, 2020
Persian language learners are going to celebrate Persian New Year. A traditional Nowruz table /haft sin/ will be displayed informing people about Persian New Year and culture.
Date: 3/5/2020 Time: 10:00 am- 1:00 pm
Place: lagoon side of HSSB pic.twitter.com/6EGKeUg1Az
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Painted eggs add a great pop of colour to the haft sin table.
— Go Iran BespokeTours (@GoIranTours) March 20, 2017
Beautiful shot by @mitrasam… https://t.co/fbafLGouuz pic.twitter.com/yTZCpy2rbJ
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