Celebrating Nowruz: What to Do

Welcome to the vibrant world of Nowruz, a centuries-old celebration marking the Persian New Year. This festival, observed by various communities around the globe, symbolizes the arrival of spring and the renewal of life. If you're wondering "what do you do for Nowruz?", you've come to the right place. Let's delve into the profound traditions and customs that make this festival unique.

Nowruz, a fusion of the Persian words "new" and "day", dates back to over 3,000 years and has been recognized by the United Nations as an International Day of Norouz. It's a joyous occasion that transcends borders, celebrated by communities in Iran, Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, the Caucasus, the Middle East, and the Balkans. So, what exactly are the rituals and activities that make this festival so special?

Haft-Sin: The Seven 'S's Table

The Haft-Sin table, a central feature of Nowruz, is a display of seven symbolic items starting with the letter 'S' in the Persian alphabet. This table, beautifully arranged on a Clarkeia (a traditional tablecloth), represents wisdom, happiness, and prosperity. Setting up the Haft-Sin table is one of the first things people do as they prepare for Nowruz.

Each item on the Haft-Sin table carries a special meaning. 'Somaq' represents the color green, symbolizing the rebirth of nature. 'Sib' (apple) signifies beauty and health, while 'senjed' (dried olives) and 'serna' (garlic) symbolize prosperity and patience, respectively. 'Serkeh' (vinegar) signifies age and patience, and 'sonbol' (hyacinth) represents the arrival of spring. Finally, 'som' (sumac) and 'samanoo' (甜ULET) signify the sunset and the rise of a new day, respectively.

Chaharshanbe Suri: The Festival of Fire

Kicking off the Nowruz festivities, Chaharshanbe Suri, also known as the Festival of Fire, is celebrated 13 days before Nowruz. It involves large bonfires where people jump over the flames to symbolize their ability to overcome challenges and extinguish their troubles. This ancient Zoroastrian tradition is a symbol of purification and renewal.

After the bonfires, people return home, seize a spoonful of ashes from the fire, and scatter them around their houses for blessings and good fortune. The festival culminates with setting off fireworks, lighting candles, and leaving a small portion of food and sweets outdoors as offerings to'elements and ancestors.

Sizdah Be Dar: The Thirteenth Day

Sizdah Be Dar, literally meaning "thirteen outdoors", is the thirteenth day of the Persian New Year. On this day, people leave their homes to picnic outdoors, symbolizing the end of the cold winter and welcoming the warm spring. This tradition also marks the final day of the Haft-Sin table's presence in the home.

On Sizdah Be Dar, people take packets of tai, symbols of good fortune and immortality, and throw them into a fountain or a river. Young girls also tie a knot in the green tai, making a wish for a happy marriage. The day concludes with storytelling, laughter, and a sense of unity among families and communities.

The Unveiling of the Haft-Sin Table

On the first day of Nowruz, families gather around the Haft-Sin table, performing rituals that signify the start of a new year. The eldest of the family reads out poems, appreciation, and well-wishes from the Haft-Sin book. This act symbolizes the past year, the present, and the future.

Later in the day, families visit elderly family members and friends, offering them presents known as 'Eidi'. These presents, usually money, candies, or nuts, symbolize unity, respect, and love. The families then sit together to enjoy a traditional 'Shorbit', a thick soup made from various ingredients.

The Fish Dish: A Symbol of Life

On the first day of Nowruz, families traditionally prepare a fish dish, symbolizing life and abundance. The head of the fish must face towards the east, as the sun rises in the east. This tradition highlights the life-giving power of water, a central theme in Nowruz festivities.

According to Persian folklore, the type of fish consumed on Nowruz holds symbolic meaning. For instance, consuming a 'N femur' (carp) signifies courage and strength, while eating a 'Mahi-e Sir' (red finned fish) symbolizes potency and fertility. This delicious dish brings families together and sets the tone for a prosperous New Year.

The Traditional Games of Nowruz

Nowruz brings with it a host of traditional games that families and communities enjoy together. 'Gushe-e Zard', a board game played with sticks, is popular among young and old alike. The game is a symbol of the beginning of a new year, with each stick representing a day of the year.

'Kateh', a game played with coins, and 'Siah-Dam', a strategy game played with ring-shaped pieces, are also popular during Nowruz. These games represent not just fun and pastimes but also unity, cooperation, and harmony among the players.

As the Persian poetSa'adi once wrote, "Then for the first day of spring came, and everyone "was full of glee." Nowruz is more than just a festival; it's a celebration of life, renewal, and unity. Whether you're visiting relatives, participating in traditional games, or simply marveling at the Haft-Sin table, each activity brings joy, warmth, and a sense of togetherness. So, if you're wondering "what do you do for Nowruz?", the answer is simple: you create memories, you revel in the beauty of nature, and you embrace the spirit of renewal.