Nowruz, Iranian new year

The roots of the Iranian New Year’s celebration, Nowruz

Introduction

For more than 2500 years, the Iranians celebrate the start of the new year on the first day of spring. This celebration is called in Farsi “Nowruz”. On this day, the length of the day and night are equal and balanced. From this day onwards, the day and the light regain the upper hand over the night and the darkness. After the harsh winter, spring also marks the start of the new year in the nature with fresh green and newborn animals.

The literal translation of “Nowruz” is New Day. The festivities start on the first day of spring, which is either on or close to March 21 (in the Northern Hemisphere).

Where do the Nowruz traditions come from?

In Iranian mythology, the cold is symbol of evil, whereas the warmth symbolizes goodness.

According to one ancient story, the devil of winter invades the world. The god of warmth is forced to go underground. By doing so, he is able to keep the ground water warm so that the roots of the trees and plants are protected against the frost. The return of spring and the blossoming of trees is the symbol of the victory of the god of warmth over the devil of winter. This victory is celebrated as the Nowruz.

In another ancient story, Nowruz is linked to the mythical Iranian King Jamshid, who saved mankind from a severe winter that threatened to kill all. In order to defeat the winter, Jamshid constructed a throne decorated with gems. He had phantoms raising him above the earth into heaven. There he sat, shining like the sun and defeating the winter. People on earth gathered, throwing jewels around the king and declared that this was the New Day (Nowruz).

The ancient Nowruz celebrations are closely and clearly linked to the seasons and nature. Because of this, these celebrations have been practiced over the centuries by the Iranians (and some neighboring countries). Nowruz remains today the most important Iranian national celebration.

Preparing for Nowruz

Iranians make sure their houses are clean at Nowruz. Tradition has that the souls of the deceased return to their home to visit their families. In case they arrive in a clean house, they will be happy and pray for the wellbeing of the family. On the other hand, if the house is not clean, they will be sad and will not pray. So Iranians make sure their home is spot-less. In Farsi, this is called “shaking” the house. Many Iranians also buy new clothing.

In some parts of Iran, helping the souls of the deceased to find their way home, people kept the lights on during the night before Nowruz and/or would make a fire on the roof of the house.

The Celebrations

Families decorate a “haft sin” table. Haft means seven in Farsi. Thus there are 7 elements grouped together on the table, all starting with the Farsi letter Sin. The 7 elements are selected from:

Sombol Hyacinth
Somak Sumac (a spice)
Sir Garlic
Sieb Apple
Sekkeh Coins
Samanu Samanu (sweet paste made from wheat)
Serkeh Vinigar
Sabzeh Greenery/Verdure
Senjed Persian olive (Oleaster)

The table is also decorated with the Holy Book, gold fish, a mirror, painted eggs, candles, sweets, water and nuts.

Nowruz does not start at midnight but the exact timing is established by astronomers and varies a few hours year by year. Families gather around the haft sin table while waiting for the Nowruz to arrive. Once the Nowruz arrives, the family members wish each other well and pray for prosperity for the year to come. The younger ones receive presents, often brand new bank notes.

In the 12 days following Nowruz, people make short visits to the homes of family, friends and neighbors. Often, young people will first visit their elders, and the elders return their visit later. Guests are welcomed with tea, cookies, fresh and dried fruits and mixed nuts. The Nowruz celebrations are completed on the 13^th day after Nowruz (called Nature Day), when all families prepare a picnic outdoors. Participation is enormous and not a single square meter in the parks across Iran will be left unattended. The gold fish are released and the greenery (Sabzeh) thrown into streaming water.