By, Kian Kiasaleh | Arts & Entertainment Editor
March 23rd, 2016
Nowruz, translating from Farsi to “New Day,” is celebrated by millions around the world. A festival dating back to ancient times, Nowruz marks the beginning of spring and celebrates the rebirth of nature. The New Year begins with spring equinox, typically from March 19th to March 21st. Although Nowruz is known as the Persian or Iranian New Year, people from many different countries in Central and Western Asia celebrate it. “I’m actually surprised to hear that Nowruz is originally an Iranian holiday,” remarked Sterling Tudor (12), “My family is Russian and we enjoy celebrating it every year.”
Nowruz originated as a religious holiday based on philosophy of Zoroaster, an ancient religion practiced by Persian Emperors (from 500 BC). Today Nowruz is a secular holiday for most celebrants but remains a holy day for Zoroastrians.In ancient times, during rules of Persian Emperors the official year began with the New Day when the Sun leaves the zodiac of Pisces and enters the zodiacal sign of Aries, signifying the Spring Equinox. On that day, kings from different nations under the Persian Empire used to bring gifts to the Emperor on Nowruz.
Before the collapse of the Soviet Union, Iran was the only country that officially observed the ceremonies of Nowruz. When the Central Asian and Caucasus countries gained independence from the Soviets, they also declared Nowruz as a national holiday. The UN’s General Assembly in 2010 recognized the International Day of Nowruz, describing it as a spring festival of Persian origin, celebrated for over 3,000 years. During the meeting of The Inter-governmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Heritage of the United Nations, Nowruz was officially registered on the UNESCO List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
A unique aspect of the Nowruz tradition is the haftseen table – a place decorated with seven (English for haft) items because seven is considered a lucky number. Each item begins with the letter “seen” (s) in Persian, and each item is a symbol of spring and renewal, including:
1. Sabzeh – wheat, barley or lentil sprouts growing in a dish – symbolizing green environment, happiness and rebirth.
2. Samanu – a sweet pudding made from germinated wheat – symbolizing affluence.
3. Senjed – the dried fruit of the oleaster tree – symbolizing firmness and tolerance.
4. Sīr – garlic – symbolizing health.
5. Sīb – apples – symbolizing beauty and love.
6. Somaq – sumac berries –symbolizing patience.
7. Serkeh – vinegar – symbolizing development and evolution.
Other symbolic items are typically added to the decorated table include:
1. Sekkeh – Coins – representing wealth.
2. Lit candles – enlightenment and sunrise.
3. A mirror – symbolizing cleanliness and honesty.
4. Decorated eggs, sometimes one for each member of the family – fertility.
5. A bowl of water with goldfish
6. Rosewater – purity and cleanness.
7. The national colors – for a patriotic touch.
8. A holy book and/or a poetry book
Nowruz was proclaimed an official UN observance because it promotes peace and solidarity, particularly in families. The day celebrates reconciliation with one another and renewal in one’s own life, contributing to cultural diversity and friendship among peoples and different communities. “Beside devouring the tahdig and sabzi polo, my favorite part of Nowruz is spending time with my friends and family,” notes Senior Nazgol Tajali; “It’s a day where I’m especially proud to be Iranian.”
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