Nowruz, the Persian New Year, began on Thursday, marking a celebration of life, renewal, and rebirth observed by people in Iran and beyond for generations.
More than 300 million people globally celebrate Nowruz, which translates to “new day” in Persian. Many exchange greetings such as “Nowruzetan pirooz,” meaning “Wishing you a victorious Nowruz!”
The holiday, aligned with the spring equinox, has origins tracing back to the Persian Empire and has been celebrated for over 3,000 years in regions including the Balkans, the Black Sea basin, the Caucasus, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
According to Alireza Hedayati, president of the Iranian American Society of New York, excitement for Nowruz begins to build as temperatures rise in late February and early March, prompting a sense of urgency to prepare for the new year.
In preparation for the holiday, celebrants engage in thorough cleaning of their homes, a practice akin to spring cleaning. This act, referred to as “shaking the dust” of the past, symbolizes readiness for the new year. In 2010, the U.N. General Assembly declared March 21 as the International Day of Nowruz.
Many individuals also start cultivating sabzeh (wheatgrass or lentil sprouts) in a dish at least 20 days prior to Nowruz. Customs may vary by region and family, but a common dish served on the eve of Nowruz is sabzi polo, a fragrant rice dish cooked with fresh herbs and typically accompanied by fried white fish.
Another dish, kuku sabzi, a Persian herb frittata made with various herbs, walnuts, and eggs, is also popular. Some families enhance its flavor with barberries or white fish roe. On the day of Nowruz, it is customary to wear new clothes.
The festival of fire, Chaharshanbe Suri, takes place on the last Tuesday before Nowruz. Participants jump over fires while reciting a phrase that symbolizes the exchange of negative traits for positive ones, representing a desire for happiness and health.
During Nowruz, households display a haft-seen table, featuring seven symbolic items beginning with the Persian letter “س” (sÄ«n), each representing different aspects of life and prosperity. Additional items such as a mirror and a goldfish may also be included, symbolizing reflection and life.
The 13th day of Nowruz, known as Sizdah Be-Dar, is celebrated by heading to parks with the wheatgrass or lentil sprouts grown for the new year. Participants toss these sprouts into moving water as a wish for good luck. The Iranian American Society of New York plans to celebrate this year on Sunday, March 30, due to the actual date falling on a workday.
During Sizdah Be-Dar, single women tie the blades of the sabzeh into knots before tossing them into the water, symbolizing hopes for marriage within the year. The day emphasizes themes of sharing and good fortune among participants.