Iranian New Year, NowRooz

In harmony with the rebirth of nature, the Iranian New Year Celebration, NowRooz, always begins on the first day of spring (usually March 21). NowRooz ceremonies are symbolic representations of two ancient concepts - the End and the Rebirth; or Good and Evil. A few weeks before the New Year, Iranians clean and rearrange their homes. They make new clothes, bake pastries and germinate seeds as sign of renewal. The ceremonial cloth is set up in each household. Troubadours, referred to as Haji Firooz, disguise themselves with makeup and wear brightly colored outfits of satin.


These Haji Firooz, singing and dancing, parade as a carnival through the streets with tambourines, kettle drums, and trumpets to spread good cheer and the news of the coming new year.

The origins of NowRooz are unknown, but they go back several thousand years predating the Achaemenian Dynasty. The ancient Iranians had a festival called "Farvardgan" which lasted ten days, and took place at the end of the solar year. It appears that this was a festival of sorrow and mourning, signifying the end of life while the festival of NowRooz, at the beginning of spring signified rebirth, and was a time of great joy and celebration.

Haft Sin

Haft sin is a traditional table setting of Nowrooz. All seven items must be (1) Persian, (2) begin with SIN letter,(3) must have plant (or be plant originally ) , (4) must be edible , and (5)must be just one word not two like ( sir, not sir torshi ) . Surprisingly, among millions of words in Persian language you can find just seven words with these features.

The Haft Sin items are:

1. Sabzeh (سبزه) - wheat, barley, mung bean or lentil sprouts growing in a dish - symbolizing rebirth

2. Samanu (سمنو)- sweet pudding made from wheat germ - symbolizing affluence

3. Senjed (سنجد)- dried oleaster fruit - symbolizing love

4. Sir (سیر)- garlic - symbolizing medicine

5. Sib (سیب)- apples - symbolizing beauty and health

6. Somāq (سماغ)- sumac fruit - symbolizing (the color of) sunrise

7. Serkeh (سرکه)- vinegar - symbolizing old-age and patience

Happy NowRooz

Happy New Year!