Celebration

Nowruz, which means a new day, is the first day of Iranian New Year. More than 3,000 years ago, when the world was divided between two empires; Persian (in the east) and Roman (in the west), Iranians celebrated this day in the middle of March (around March 20). As the spring equinox, Nowruz marks the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere when the Sun crosses the equator and makes night and day equal. This moment is calculated exactly every year and that’s when Iranian families traditionally gather together to observe the spring rituals. Other countries like Afghanistan, Pakistan, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Tajikistan also celebrate Nowruz.

On the last Wednesday before Nowruz, people have a fire ceremony as they make a big fire and all family members and friends jump over it to burn their bad memories and receive good energy from the fire. For dinner, on the last day before Nowruz, Iranians eat rice (mixed with herbs) and fish because they believe that it brings them health and happiness. They clean everything and decorate their homes. All Iranians decorate their table with seven things that start with S and are named “Haft-Sin” which include:

• Sabze (wheat, or lentil sprouts grown in a dish or in a jar)
• Samanu (sweet pudding made from wheat germ)
• Persian olives (Persian: senjed)
• Vinegar (Persian: serke)
• Apple (Persian:sib)
• Garlic (Persian: sir)
• Sumac

On this day, Iranian families gather together and visit relatives. They invite each other to lunch or dinner. They put on new clothes and give each other gifts, and it is especially important to give some cash to kids. Amu Nowruz also brings children gifts, much like his counterpart Santa Claus. These holidays continue for 13 days. On the last day of holiday, which is called Sizdah-Be-Dar (Day13th), people go on a picnic to enjoy and respect nature and to welcome spring.

Nowruz is the biggest event and the most important day for Iranians. On this day, people should respect their culture and encourage each other to improve happiness in their lives. All people, but especially kids, are expected to show respect to their parents and elders, show respect and love for the natural environment and keep the traditional customs as part of their life and culture.