7 Facts about Nowruz

For those unfamiliar with Nowruz, it is a celebration that marks the first day of spring with the spring equinox, this year falling on March 20th at exactly 2:01 am PT.  Nowruz translates to “new day” and is a major festival as it marks the beginning of the Persian New Year. The holiday lasts thirteen days in Iran.

1. Roots in Zoroastrianism

Nowruz has roots in Persian religions such as Zoroastrianism, where it existed as a festival as early as the early 1s t millennium BCE. It is not directly mentioned in any ancient texts; however, a frieze on the walls at Persepolis, the ancient Persian capital, could be depicting a moment of a Nowruz festival.

2. Suppression of Nowruz

Nowruz is celebrated by many communities, with local traditions varying by region, but leaders have tried to suppress its celebration. While the Iranian leaders sought to ban Nowruz since the revolution of 1979 because they considered it un-Islamic, they were unable to stop people from celebrating and have since stopped trying to ban it. In Afghanistan, where it is also considered an agricultural festival, the Taliban has also tried to ban Nowruz, but people continue to practice the traditions clandestinely. It was also banned under the Soviet Union due to anti-religious communist policies, but, since its fall in 1991, Nowruz has been openly celebrated in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

3. Haft-sin

Haft-sin translates to “Seven S’s”, and is a table arranged to include seven items that begin with the Persian letter “S” ('sin' (س)). Each item on the table holds a symbolic significance about life:

1. Sabzeh (سبزه ): sprouted grains like wheat grass, symbolizes rebirth and renewal

2. Samanu (سمنو): sweet pudding, symbolizes prosperity 

3. Senjed (سنجد): dried fruit, symbolizes love

4. Serkeh (سرکه): vinegar, symbolizes age and wisdom

5. Seeb (سیب): apple, symbolizes beauty and health

6. Seer (سیر): garlic, symbolizes health and medicine

7. Somaq (سماق): sumac, a red spice made from dried sumac berries, symbolizes the sun and the triumph of good over evil

Photo of Mrs. Trang’s Haft-sin table here at the school

Other symbolic items usually accompanying the core seven that begin with “S” are hyacinths (sonbol, the arrival of spring) and coins (sekkeh, wealth and prosperity). Other items that do not begin with “S” but can be included are mirrors (truth and self-reflection), painted eggs (fertility), and goldfish (life).

Sidenote on the goldfish: As beautiful as they are as a symbol of life and progress, every Nowruz also marks the death of one or two goldfish in my grandmother’s house.  Millions of others worldwide die too; people release these fish into ponds or rivers where they struggle to survive or keep them in unsuitable conditions, sparking some controversy around the spring fish. If you do wish to include goldfish on your Haft-Sin table, kindly take care of them by feeding them and changing the water regularly, or consider an alternative: toy fish, painting them on your eggs, or marzipan goldfish. Through these alternatives you can keep the goldfish of the world alive, laughing and loving, and still admire them for their symbolic meanings. 

4. Eidi

Many children’s favorite part of Nowruz is the Eidi money. Money is a traditional gift given to younger children by the elders, usually in the form of currency, particularly brand-new dollar bills for us in America. It can also take the form of small gifts. Unlike Lunar New Year, it doesn't come in a red envelope, but nonetheless carries a symbolic meaning. The money represents prosperity and wealth, and the youth can spend it or save it however they like. Eidi serves as a gift from the elders to wish the children a good new year.

5. Fire Rituals

Chaharshanbeh Suri is the first ritual practice of Nowruz. In Iran, it takes place on the last Wednesday before the New Year, while in some other regions, it happens over the four Wednesdays before Nowruz. Chaharshanbeh Suri is a fire ritual that involves lighting and jumping over bonfires while saying "sorkhi-e man az to o zardi-e to az man”, which means “Your red color be mine, and my sickly yellow pallor be yours". In other words, letting go of your weaknesses and asking for strength, symbolizing purification.

6. Sizdah Bedar

Sizdah means thirteen, and Sizdah Bedar marks the 13th day after the New Year when everyone goes into the great outdoors – parks, rivers, etc... with friends and family to spend a joyful day together, considering how it is bad luck to stay inside. One ritual of the day is to tie a knot from a blade of grass and send it off into water as you make a wish. 

7. Food

An essential part of Nowruz is feasting with family and sharing a symbolic meal, usually consisting of rice and fish, alongside other local foods. Sabzi polo (rice with herbs like dill, sometimes with fava beans), ash reshteh (noodle soup), and baklava (sweet, layered pastry with nuts and honey) are some examples of the delicious food that can be prepared and shared during Nowruz.

Nowruz Mobarak!

Sources:

“International Nowruz Day.” United Nations, United Nations, www.un.org/en/observances/international-nowruz-day.

“Nowruz: Celebrating the New Year on the Silk Roads.” Nowruz: Celebrating the New Year on the Silk Roads | Silk Roads Programme, en.unesco.org/silkroad/content/nowruz-celebrating-new-year-silk-roads. 

“Nowruz.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., 13 Mar. 2025, www.britannica.com/topic/Nowruz.

5 Million Goldfish Die for Nowruz - the Iranian New Year - Green Prophet, www.greenprophet.com/2012/03/goldfish-nowruz-iranian-new-year/.