Nowruz

 Nowruz (also spelled Norouz or Nouruz) is the Persian New Year, which is celebrated on the first day of spring in the northern hemisphere, usually on March 21st. Nowruz is a celebration of new beginnings and the renewal of nature, and it has been observed by various cultures and civilizations for over 3,000 years in Central Asia, the Middle East, and other parts of the world.

Nowruz is a time for families and friends to come together, exchange gifts, and share festive meals. Many traditions are associated with the celebration, including the setting of a special table called "Haft-Seen," which is decorated with symbolic items such as sprouted grains, garlic, coins, and a mirror. The table also includes seven items starting with the Persian letter "sin" (س), each of which symbolizes a specific theme, such as health, prosperity, and love.

Other traditions associated with Nowruz include spring cleaning, visiting relatives, and giving money or sweets to children. In some countries, such as Iran and Afghanistan, Nowruz is a public holiday, and people take several days off to celebrate the occasion.

How it is celebrated?

Nowruz is celebrated in different ways depending on the country and culture, but there are some common practices that are shared across the region. Here are some of the ways in which Nowruz is celebrated:

Haft-Seen: The Haft-Seen table is a central element of Nowruz celebrations. It is usually set up a few days before the start of the new year and includes seven items, each of which begins with the Persian letter "sin" (س) and represents a particular theme. These items can include sprouts, apples, garlic, coins, a mirror, and more.

Visiting relatives and friends: Nowruz is a time for families and friends to come together, exchange gifts, and visit each other's homes. It is common for people to travel long distances to spend time with loved ones during this holiday.

Spring cleaning: Before Nowruz, people usually clean their homes thoroughly to prepare for the new year. This tradition is believed to symbolize the renewal of nature and the start of a new cycle.

Chaharshanbe Suri: Chaharshanbe Suri is a pre-Nowruz festival celebrated on the last Tuesday night before the new year. It involves lighting bonfires and jumping over them, which is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.

New year's eve: On the eve of Nowruz, families gather around the Haft-Seen table to await the exact moment of the new year, which is calculated according to the spring equinox. At this moment, people hug each other and exchange greetings of "Eid-e Shoma Mobarak" (Happy New Year).

Sizdah Bedar: Sizdah Bedar is a tradition on the thirteenth day of Nowruz, which involves spending the day outdoors with family and friends, having picnics, and enjoying nature. It is believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the rest of the year.

These are just a few of the many ways in which Nowruz is celebrated. The holiday is a time for joy, renewal, and new beginnings, and it is cherished by people of many different cultures and traditions.

 Here are some more details about Nowruz:

History: Nowruz has been celebrated for over 3,000 years and is rooted in the ancient Persian religion of Zoroastrianism. It marks the first day of the Persian calendar and the start of the spring season. Nowruz is also celebrated by other cultures and religions in the region, including the Baha'i, the Kurds, and the Alawites.

Food: Food is an important part of the Nowruz celebrations. Traditional dishes vary depending on the country and region, but some popular examples include Sabzi Polo Mahi (herb rice with fish), Dolmeh (stuffed grape leaves), and Ash-e Reshteh (noodle soup). Sweets such as baklava, pastries, and cookies are also commonly served during the holiday.

Decorations: In addition to the Haft-Seen table, other decorations are also used during Nowruz. These can include colorful eggs, flowers such as hyacinths and tulips, and banners with festive messages.

Gifting: Giving gifts is a common practice during Nowruz. It is customary to give money or gifts to children, and adults may exchange gifts with family and friends. In Iran, it is traditional to give new banknotes as a symbol of prosperity and good luck.

Global celebration: Nowruz is not only celebrated in the Middle East and Central Asia but also in other parts of the world where Persian and Central Asian communities have settled. These include countries such as India, Pakistan, and Turkey, as well as parts of Europe and North America.

Nowruz is a vibrant and joyful holiday that celebrates new beginnings, the renewal of nature, and the importance of family and community. It is a time for reflection, gratitude, and hope for the future.

Cultural significance: Nowruz has a deep cultural significance for the people who celebrate it. It is a time to honor one's roots, celebrate traditions, and connect with one's community. Nowruz also symbolizes the start of a new chapter in life, and many people use this time to set goals and make resolutions for the coming year.

Music and dance: Music and dance are an integral part of Nowruz celebrations. Many countries in the region have their own unique styles of music and dance, and people often gather to dance and sing traditional songs during the holiday.

Nowruz around the world: Nowruz is not only celebrated in the Middle East and Central Asia but also in other parts of the world where Persian and Central Asian communities have settled. These include countries such as India, Pakistan, and Turkey, as well as parts of Europe and North America.

Traditional clothing: Many people wear traditional clothing during the Nowruz celebrations. For example, in Iran, women often wear colorful dresses with floral patterns, and men wear long tunics and pants. In Afghanistan, men and women wear traditional clothing called "Afghan Shalwar Kameez," which consists of loose-fitting pants and a long shirt.

Nowruz and the UN: In 2010, the United Nations recognized Nowruz as an international holiday and added it to its list of "Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity." The decision was made to acknowledge the cultural significance of Nowruz and to promote greater understanding and tolerance among different cultures and communities.

Nowruz is a time for joy, reflection, and celebration. It is a holiday that has been cherished for thousands of years and continues to be an important part of the cultural identity of the people who celebrate it.

Nowruz culture

Nowruz culture is a rich and diverse tapestry of traditions and customs that have been passed down for generations. Here are some examples of Nowruz culture:

Haft-Seen table: One of the most important aspects of Nowruz culture is the Haft-Seen table, which is a collection of seven items that begin with the Persian letter "sin" (س). These items include sabzeh (sprouts), seer (garlic), send (dried fruit), samanu (sweet pudding), sir (garlic), soma (sumac), and search (vinegar). Each item symbolizes something important, such as rebirth, health, and wealth.

Spring cleaning: Another important aspect of Nowruz culture is spring cleaning, which involves thoroughly cleaning one's home in preparation for the new year. This tradition is believed to bring good luck and prosperity.

Visiting family and friends: Nowruz is a time for reconnecting with family and friends. It is customary to visit loved ones during the holiday, share meals, exchange gifts, and spend time together.

Fire jumping: In Iran and other countries, it is traditional to jump over a bonfire on the last Wednesday before Nowruz. This is believed to cleanse the body of negativity and bring good luck for the new year.

Poetry and literature: Persian literature has a rich history and is an important part of Nowruz culture. During the holiday, people often recite poetry, read literature, and engage in intellectual discussions.

Nowruz music: Music is a vital part of Nowruz culture, and there are many different types of music associated with the holiday. For example, in Iran, there is a traditional form of music called "Nowruz music" that is played during the holiday.

Nowruz culture is a multifaceted and diverse tradition that reflects the rich cultural heritage of the people who celebrate it.