Nowruz, the Persian New Year, began on Thursday, kicking off a celebration of life, renewal and rebirth that people in Iran and beyond have observed for many generations.
More than 300 million people all over the world celebrate Nowruz, which means “New Day” in Persian. Many of them say goodbye saying “Nowruzie Pirooz” or “wishing you a victorious Nowruz!”
The holiday, which is linked to the spring equinox, traces its roots to the Persian empire. People in the Balkans, in the Black Sea basin, in the Caucasus, in Central Asia and the Middle East celebrated it for more than 3,000 years.
There is an accumulation for Nowruz, said Alireza Hedayati, president of the Iranian American Society in New York, a non -profit organization based on Long Island.
Things begin to warm up “as soon as he begins to warm up a little at the end of February and at the beginning of March,” said Hedayati. “Everyone has only a little excitement and the impulse of doing things.”
Here’s what to know about one of the oldest holidays in the world:
Holiday Custogni
In view of the new year, the Celebrants Nowruz clean their homes thoroughly. Mr. Hedayati compared him to spring cleaning.
“You should clean up all the disorder of your home” to make sure you are ready to start the new fresh year, he said.
The practice is known as “shake the dust” of the past, according to the United Nations. In 2010, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the Nowruz International Day on March 21.
Many people also begin to cultivate Sabzeh (wheat sprouts or lentils) in a dish at least 20 days before the holidays, said Hedayati.
Some Newruz practices may differ from region to region and family to family. But Kambiz Mofrad, president of the Persian Parade Foundation, who organizes the annual Persian parade in New York City, said that one of the most popular dishes served on the eve of Nowruz is Sabzi Polo.
A dish of fragrant rice cooked with fresh herbs including coriander, parsley and dill, is traditionally eaten with fried white fish.
Mofrad said that many families also prepare Kuku Sabzi, an omelette of shutters made with coriander, parsley, dill, walnuts and eggs. Some families add barberries or white fish eggs for extra flavor, he added.
For the big day, you should also make sure you wear new clothes, Signor Hedayati said.
A fire festival
Held on the last Tuesday before Nowruz, Chaharshanbe Suri is known as Festival of Fire. On this day, many people jump over the fires and say: “My gardening to you and your redness for me,” said Mofra.
“Yellow is a symbol of fears, hatred and weakness,” he said. “You want to set it to the fire and then take the redness of the fire”, which represents happiness, courage and health.
Symbols of renewal and prosperity
Each family that celebrates Nowruz has a Haft-Seen, a table with a traditional arrangement of seven symbolic objects that begin with the Persian letter “س” (Sīn). Each object represents a different aspect of life, renewal and prosperity, said Mofrad.
The seven “s” elements and their symbolism:
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Apple or Seeb: represents health and beauty
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Garlic or seer: stands for protection and medicine
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Aceto or Serkeh: represents patience and longevity
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Sumac, or Somāq: stands for the Alba and the new beginnings
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Germ (wheat, lentils, barley) or Sabzeh: represents growth and rebirth
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Fruit Oleastter dry (Silverberry) or senjed: stands for love and wisdom
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Sweet pudding (wheat germ pasta) or Samanu: represents strength and prosperity
Apart from these seven “core” objects, the Haft-Seen can include a mirror, for reflection and truth and a red fish, for life and progress, among other objects.
Good luck best wishes
Observed on the 13th day of Nowruz, Sizdah Be-Dar is when people head towards parks with wheat sprouts or lentils that grew up for the new year. They want good luck by throwing them into water to move. The celebrations for Sizdah Be-Dar are big, Hedayati said. The Iranian American Society in New York will hold its celebration this year on Sunday 30 March, because the current 13th day lands on a working day.
“It’s a bit like Potluck,” he said, describing how everyone shares everything.
“If you don’t have something,” he said, “look at the table next to you and give it.”
Mr. Hedayati said that on Sizdah Be-Dar, single women bind the blades of the Sabzeh in knots before throwing them into the water, not only fortunately but also for the possibility of wedding during the year.
“It concerns good luck,” he said.