All You Need To Know About Nowruz

Nowruz is the beginning of the Persian New Year and it is the oldest festival and occasion in the world. Nowruz marks the first day of spring season and is celebrated on the day of the vernal equinox in Northern hemisphere (March 20 or 21). This day is the beginning of renewal of the nature and the time for awaking the earth from the winter sleep. 

Iranians and Farsi speakers around the world, celebrate Nowruz with its lovely and interesting traditions and they gift each other special gift named Eidi. Nowruz and its beautiful traditions have changed during the passage of time and unfortunately some of them have been forgotten. If you want to know more about Nowruz and its all beautiful traditions, we suggest you to follow this article until the end.

Nowruz; History & Origin

The word “Nowruz” is a compound word in Farsi language and it means “New Day”. The first day of first month in the solar calendar (Iranian’s Calendar from ancient time) is called Farvardin. Nowruz is the first day of spring season, the starting point of the Persian New Year and it is when our planet starts its new journey around the sun. The history of Nowruz dates back to approximately 600 years B.C at the time of Achaemenid dynasty. So we can say that Nowruz is the World’s Oldest Celebration! That’s a big title for a celebration in history that is still alive in many countries such as Iran, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and central Asian countries.

According to legends, Jamshid, the forth mythical King of Pishdadian dynasty, was ordered by Ahura Mazda, the ancient god of Persia, to confront the devil. Because the devil brought darkness, drought and famine to the land. So Jamshid was victorious and he defeated the devil of darkness. The day that this victory occurred was first day of the spring and people named this important day “Nowruz” meaning “New Day”.

Nowruz was much cherished at the time of Achaemenid, Sasanian and Parthian (Ashkanian) dynasties and they threw special festivals during the holiday. The first five days were named Small Nowruz or public Nowruz and all people used to celebrate these five days. The 6th day was named the Great Nowruz or the Court Nowruz that was celebrated by the King and the court in the palace. Lighting fire, celebrating and throwing parties were begun from the first day of Farvardin month (day of spring equinox) and lasted until 13th of Farvardin.

The Ancient Traditions For Welcoming Nowruz

As we mentioned earlier, Nowruz is the most important occasion in Persian culture. Just like when you’re preparing to welcome an important guest, there are several traditions that have to be done for welcoming Nowruz, step by step and level to level. Here you can learn about the traditions that have to be done before Nowruz for welcoming this important occasion.

1. House Cleaning 

The House Cleaning is the first step for welcoming Nowruz. Iranians should clean the entire house before Nowruz based on the Persian ancient belief. It is said that the bad things from the past year should be washed away from the house to make space for good fortune to come in the New Year. It is like you need to forget about the sad memories and happenings in the past and welcome the good things that will happen for you in the New Year. 

The ancient Iranians used to clean their house in last month of the year. They threw the old vessels, dishes and potteries from the roof and provide new ones instead of them. Because they believed the sickness and diseases will get out of the house and also the New Year should start in clean and beautiful house. This hygienic tradition is still alive among Iranians but they don’t throw out anything from the roof anymore! 

2. Buying New Clothes

Nowruz is the celebration of nature’s renewal. When the trees and plants wear vernal outfit made of young green leaves and colorful blossoms. Based on Nowruz concepts, humans are no exception to this rule and they should wear new clothes for New Year. Buying new clothes for Nowruz and shopping, is one of the most enjoyable and memorable traditions of welcoming Nowruz. Also Iranians have this tradition from long time ago to buy new clothes for poor people so that they can celebrate New Year with new clothes too.

3. Growing Sabzeh (Greenery)

Nowruz has a special table for itself that has seven main members that all of them are originated from nature and their names start with letter S in Farsi language. This table is called Haft-Sin which means Seven-S. One of the most beautiful and important members of Haft-Sin is Sabzeh which means greenery. Its beautiful green color is the symbol of growth and life. 

For growing Sabzeh, you need to soak some wheat seeds or lentils in water and wait for the germs to show up. Then remove the water and cover the germs with a wet cotton fabric. Keep the fabric wet every day and we you’ll see the germs grow and have their little green leaves, remove the fabric and water them every day.

But why did ancient Iranians grow greenery for Nowruz? Well, researchers say at the time of ancient Iran, pillars made of raw bricks were built on the yard of court 25 days before Nowruz. They would plant a type of grain or bean on each pillar and they would check which one will grow better. By doing this they could be able to predict the agricultural year and to see which seed is better to be planted in farms.

4. Chaharshanbeh Soori; Fire Celebration

Chaharshanbeh Soori or Scarlet Wednesday is the first festival of Nowruz. This festival is held on the eve of the last Wednesday of the year with lighting fires and jumping over several fires. But it is said that in ancient time, there were festive celebrations held on the final days of Esfand (the last month of Persian solar calendar) and there was no force on a particular day of the week. 

The ancient ceremony was named Farvardegan. People used to light fires on the roofs in order to guide the soul of the deceased to the house. Also they believed that lighting fire would help the weather to become warmer faster and they can say goodbye to the cold winter. These traditions, like other Nowruz traditions, were based on the Zoroastrian belief. In this ancient religion, fire is considered very holy, so jumping from it and singing songs around the fire were not common in the ancient time since fire was worshipped by Zoroastrians.

But from long time ago until now, Chaharshanbeh Soori is involved with lighting fire, fire crackers and fireworks, throwing parties, dancing and having fun. One of the old traditions of Scarlet Wednesday is Ghashogh Zani (spoon beating). Young people or children cover their body and face with long veil (chador) and come to the streets and knock at the doors while banging on pots, pans or bowls with spoon asking for treats. 

Another fun tradition in Scarlet Wednesday is to eavesdrop on the streets or at the houses doors secretly and make a connection between what’s been heard and the wish in the heart! If the thing that has been heard was positive so the wish will come true, if it wasn’t a good thing then maybe that wish is not for best to come true. 

Dropping shawl or Shal-Andazi is another lovely tradition in Chaharshanbeh Soori that is held in some part of Iran. Boys who are engaged go to the roof of their fiancé’s house and drop a shawl for her, she has to fill this shawl with sweets and confection or a lovely gift.  

5. Setting Haft-Sin Table

In ancient time, Iranians believed that in Nowruz, the spirit of the deceased would come down to the earth and visits their house and family. So the family members should welcome them with a beautiful table filled with delicious things like fruits and sweets in beautiful and fancy vessels. Because they believed that the spirit would be happy to see that his/her family members are happy, clean and well and the spirit would bless them.

Haft-Sin in Persian language means "Seven S". This name is because of the seven members in this table that their names start with letter S at the beginning. Unlike today’s common belief, the name Haft-Sin had no connection with the things that their names start with letter S. researchers believe that it was Haft-Sini (Seven Trays) that people used to put them on the Nowruz table. 

The number 7 has always been considered as a holy number in Iran. Seven skies, seven stars, seven generations back and etc. Due to this holiness, people used to put seven trays filled with special things on Nowruz table. Pomegranate, water, wine, egg, bread, apple, bitter orange, mirror, candleholder, fire holder, oleaster, wild rue, Samanoo and pussy willow were the members of this table. But after Muslims conquest and Islam entrance in Persia, the Nowruz Table changed because wine is haram and forbidden in Islam. 

Each one of members of Haft-Sin table is a symbol for something good. Here you can see the members of Haft-Sin table and what they symbolize.

Mirror, is the symbol of honesty and trueness. Mirror always has two companies in Persian culture and these two are candleholders. The candles represent light and luminous life.

Quran, the divine book of Islam and the holy member of this table that holds the words of God, is put on Haft-Sin table for blessing. Persian Muslims put this holy book to start the New Year by trusting and relying to the words of God.

Goldfish, is a foreign member of this table and it didn’t have any place in Haft-Sin in ancient time. This beautiful, red and lovely guest that is originally from China, is the symbol of life and vivaciousness.

Colored eggs, with beautiful and lovely paintings and patterns on them, are the symbol of fertility and giving birth which are put on the table as a symbol for new generation.

And now we get to the Seven S:

Samanoo is the symbol of power, felicity and blessing. Samanoo is actually a sweet pudding that is made of young germs of wheat and is rich in vitamins and minerals. This super healthy pudding was first made in Sasanian dynasty and it was called as the Earth Blessings.

Sir means garlic in Farsi language and it is the symbol of health and well-being. Also it is used for being safe from jealousy and negative energies. Based on Zoroastrians belief, the garlic’s smell will keep demons away from the house. That is why they used to peel off the garlic and put it on the Nowruz table.

Serkeh means vinegar in Farsi and represents long life and immortality. It was used to break the spells and bring an end to magic. Based on Zoroastrian beliefs, putting Serkeh on the Nowruz table will prevent negative and unfortunate happenings to come in the New Year.

Sabzeh means greenery which is the symbol of nature, happiness and refreshment. The beginning of the spring should be celebrated with growing a part of the nature. That is why growing Sabzeh from wheat, lentils or other grains in the middle of the last month of the year is a lovely and common tradition among Iranians. Sabzeh is the most beautiful member of the Haft-Sin table and has a special place in it. 

Sib means apple in Persian language and it is the symbol of beauty and well-being. This beautiful heavenly fruit has remarkable nutritional benefits for health and it has been of great interest since ancient times.

Senjed means oleaster and it is the symbol of wisdom and making judiciously decisions. It is said that oleaster has so many nutritional benefits that help to improve body function, especially the brain and memory. 

Somagh means sumac in Farsi language and it is the symbol of patience and resistance. The reason for putting this sour spice on Haft-Sin table is to have patience in the face of hardships in the New Year and also to endure the adversity of life.

Sekeh means coin. Iranians put coins on the Haft-Sin Table as the symbol of wealth and prosperity. Actually coin is not considered as an original member of Seven S and people put coins in Haft-Sin table as a sign for increasing their wealth and success in earning money in the New Year.

The Moment of New Year’s Beginning

The exact hour, minute and second of the beginning of spring season is determined every year. In Persian Culture, this moment is very important and all family members should gather around the Haft-Sin table and wait for the moment when the new solar year starts (spring equinox on Northern Hemisphere). This special moment is called Sal Tahvil which means Delivering New Year.

Nowruz Gift Giving

People give gift to each other for Nowruz that is called Eidi. Gift giving on Nowruz dates back to ancient times. Based on what Abu Rayhan Al-Biruni (the famous Iranian scientist) said, sugarcane was found in Nowruz day. Jamshid (a mythical King) saw a straw shaped plant that had sap on it, he tasted it and realized it has sweet flavor. So he ordered to take out this plant and they made sugar out of it. After that people gave each other sugar as a gift on different occasions such as Nowruz. So sugar was a Nowruz gift in the ancient times in Persia.

Also it is said that people used to throw water at each other on the Nowruz dawn as a sign of blessings and donating light to each other’s life. Iranians used to put valuable gifts like jewels, precious fabrics or special tasty things on Haft-Sin table to gift them to the younger members of the family. But this tradition changed during the years and Iranians give to each other cash money as Nowruz gift.

Nowruz Visitings

One of the beautiful traditions of Nowruz, is visiting relatives. During Nowruz holidays, the young members have to go to the older member’s house for visiting. These visitings start from the older member house to the younger member in turn. Serving special delicious things like nuts, sweets, pastries, chocolates and fruits for guests is a lovely tradition that ends with giving Eidi (Nowruz gift) to the kids and younger members. Eidi is always cash money, the brand new banknotes without folding.

Entertaining Guests on Nowruz

Just like other occasions in every culture and country, there are some special edibles and foods for Nowruz too. Guest entertaining has always been one of the most important points in Persian culture. The host always has to provide and present the best things for entertaining the guests. Serving super tasty and expensive foods or pastries with various shapes, flavors and models in precious and valuable vessels, is one of the most important duties of a host. 

The first and most important thing to serve for the guests in Nowruz, is nuts. Pistachio, almond, hazelnut, cashew, pumpkin seed, walnut and peanut. These are the members of Nowruz special nut that are available in salty, sweet and saffron flavors.

Just like other occasions in every culture, sweets and pastries have a special place on the Nowruz table for entertaining the guests. In last weeks of the year, super tasty and beautiful pastries and sweets are baked in different shapes and models in all confectionaries. Some people prefer to buy traditional Persian sweets and pastries. Iran has so many different kinds of pastry which all of them are super delicious and also very useful. Baghlava, Loz, Persian chickpea cookie, Ghottab, Ghorabieh, Persian rice cookie, Beheshti and etc. These are just a few names of traditional famous pastries that are originally Persian and are served for Nowruz.

Seezdah Be Dar Day

The thirteenth day of Farvardin (the first month of Persian New Year and 12 days after Nowruz beginning) is called Sizdah Be Dar. Seezdah means thirteen and Be Dar means towards to the plain. In this special day people go on picnic and spend time in nature. In Persian calendar, the thirteenth day of Farvardin is called The Nature Day. But what is the story about going to outdoor and picnic on the day thirteenth. 

The ancient Iranians celebrated 12 days in Nowruz, each day represents a month of the year. So the thirteenth day was the official ending of Nowruz holidays. Based on Zoroastrian belief, each day has a name and the name for 13th day of the month is Tir Rooz. Tir is the name of the god of rain. Zoroastrian believed that the god of rain (Tir) overcome the drought demon in 13th day of Farvardin. That is why this day is called The Nature Day, the celebration for god of rain victory! So people go to parks and plain to celebrate the thirteenth day of Farvardin.

Seezdah Be Dar also has its own traditions. Remember Sabzeh (sprouted greens on Haft-Sin table)? Well, one of the traditions in 13th day of Farvardin is to throw Sabzeh into the flowing water. Sabzeh is part of the nature, so it should be returned to the nature again. Another tradition is to knot grass and greens. It is believed that knotting the greens will bring good luck and you can make a wish while knotting the grasses. Young men and women at the age of marriage also knot the grasses and greens and wish for a perfect match for their life. 

Last Word

Nowruz is the oldest festival in the whole world. It is based on a beautiful belief and that belief is renewal in life, just like how nature starts to be alive and green again after the cold winter. With its beautiful and interesting traditions, Nowruz is an opportunity to enjoy being part of a family. To cherish and appreciate the presence of those who love us and care about us. To learn from the nature, to rebuild and reform ourselves, to be green and alive, just like the spring. To thank God to be alive to see our planet starts a new journey around the sun, again!