The Nowruz is the Persian New Year, which occurs in conjunction with the equinox that marks the beginning of the spring (which falls on March 20). Celebrated for over 3 thousand years, In the Persian calendar the New Year corresponds to the first day of the month of Farvardin, the first month of spring. In the language you do nowruz means “new day”, to indicate a new beginning, a new life.
It is an ancient party, linked to the Zoroastrian religion, Cult practiced in the Persian Empire starting from the 6th century BC, at the time of the Achemenid dynasty. It is an ancestral, cheerful and joyful celebration, connected to the idea of rebirth of nature and pervaded by a rich symbolism.
Nowruz, where you celebrate
Currently the Nowruz is celebrated not only in Iran, but in all those countries that were part of the‘Persian Empireas well as by the Iranian communities scattered everywhere in the world.
It is therefore celebrated in Afghanistan, Albania, in the former Iugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, India, Turkey, Pakistan, Iraqi Kurdistan and in the former Soviet Republics of Central Asia (Kazakistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tagikistan and Turkmenistan).
More than 300 million people are the next spring equinox will welcome the beginning of the new year festive. A very important anniversary, therefore, so much so that in 2010 the United Nations General Assembly recognized the March 21st as an International Day of Nowruz (although in reality the day of the arrival of spring is celebrated).
What are the preparations for nowruz
The preparations for this party begin during the month of Esfand, the last month of the year, approximately 10 days before the New Year. You have to clean the house, decorate it with fresh flowers, plant seeds, buy new clothes. All activities are aimed at renewal and celebration of a new beginning.
The night between the last Tuesday and the last Wednesday of the year, called Charshanbe Souri, represents a particular anniversary, in which he pays tribute to the fire, the cardinal element of the Zoroastrian religion, in purifying function.
In the streets there are bonfires, people have to jump into the fire and recite a ritual invocation: “Give me the red color and take the yellow of my pallor”. Through this formula you give your weakness to obtain health and strength in return.
The ashes of these fires must be buried away from the houses, since symbolize all pain and negativity accumulated during the year that is ending.
The last Thursday of the year is dedicated to the cult of the dead. The veneration of the ancestors is an integral part of this party that celebrates life also through the manifestation of a profound respect for the deceased relatives.
Nowruz, New Year 2025
For start the celebrations, the Persians They await the exact moment of Nowruz, which unlike our New Year, is not fixed, but varies according to the equinox and the solar calendar. The Persians were very precise in the calculation of the new day, as they are very skilled and experts in mathematics and in astronomical disciplines. The Nowruz begins in the exact moment when the sun enters the constellation of Aries, crossing the celestial equator.
What you eat during Nowruz
Nowruz celebrations include special dishes that vary according to the region, but often include:
Recognizing the cultural and historical importance, the United Nations designated March 21 as “International Nowruz Day”. This anniversary was officially established through resolution 64/253, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in February 2010.
Nowruz, the Haft-Sin ritual
On the day of Nowruz usually families pass it around the set table, which is prepared according to The HAFT-SIN rule: must set the table with 7 dishes that all begin with the letter S, who in doing it is pronounced sin.
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It is a very beautiful ritual with a strong symbolic connotation. Each food represents a specific characteristic that we hope will accompany the new year.
The 7 elements are:
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Other symbolic elements of Nowruz
Furthermore, other elements are arranged on the tablecloth, also by the important symbolic meaning:
In a brazier, on the other hand, they place themselves:
The celebrations last 12 days and end with the Sizdah Bedar.
You can breathe a cheerful and convivial atmosphere, they ban and exchange gifts, dance and sing in company, you visit relatives and friends.
Sizdah Bedar: the conclusion of Nowruz
The thirteenth day is celebrated the Sizdah Bedar, that in doing it means ’13 Outdoor ‘, event that marks the conclusion of the celebrations. According to tradition, to remove the evil spirits, you have to spend the day in the countryside or in any case in the open air.
When they come to visit us, not finding anyone at home, the evil spirits are forced to leave. Sizdah Bedar is celebrated in the open air together with relatives and friends, in a carefree and joyful atmosphere, between songs and dances.
The sprouts used for the Sabzeh of the Haft-Sin are thrown into the water of a riverto symbolize the desire to get rid of all the negativity they have accumulated in the first 12 days of the year. Before throw the sprouts In the river, the unmarried girls intertwine their leaves, expressing the desire to find husband before the next Sizdah Bedar. When the knot melts, their desire will be fulfilled.
Nowruz Mobarak! Happy new year to all!
