Nowruz (نوروز)

Happy Nowruz!

     Nowruz is the celebration of the Persian New Year and the mark of spring.  This ancient holiday is celebrated precisely on the vernal equinox using the solar calendar.  Part of the tradition is to be able to celebrate the New Year at the exact moment the vernal equinox takes place, so there are people in Iran who's job it is to determine this exact moment in time.  This exact moment (vernal equinox) is known to Iranians as "sa'al tahvil (تحويل سال )" and is similiar to how the Western world celebrates their New Year on January 1st, at midnight. It is also customary, as in western culture, to steal a kiss as sa'al tahvil approaches. 

Here is a great link that shows the calculations for Nowruz 2011

http://www.farsinet.com/noruz/sal_tahvils.html

     Nowruz is not just a holiday it is a thirteen day festival of celebration and life anew.  Preparation for this festival is immense and highly anticipated.  It is
important to have a clean house because the visiting and hosting of family and friends throughout the thirteen day festival is customary.  Iranians refer to this spring cleaning event as "Khouneh Tekouni" which translates to "shaking the house" in English.  This customary act of spring cleaning symbolizes the rebirth of nature and is not taken lightly.  It is the single most important act in preparing for Nowruz.  The idea of rebirth and things anew also translates to clothing.  It is customary to purchase a new outfit for the coming festival to impress family and friends and show them your commitment to this New Year. 

     When the celebration begins it is customary to visit the family elders first. From there you work your way down through your family and friends.  These visits are reciprocated and make for a long day of visiting with family and friends.  If "Sa'al Tahvil" happens during the daytime it is customary for the family to sit for a nice dinner and enjoy the moment before going out to visit family and friends.  Exchanging of gifts within the family at "Sa'al Tahvil" is also customary, it is not uncommon to exchange gifts with whomever you choose as well. 

The traditional meal that an Iranian family would enjoy this special day is "sabzi polo mahi (سبزی پلو با ماهی.)"

which in English translates to "herb rice with fish."



Haft Sin table

     The centerpiece of the Nowruz festival is the "Haft Sin (هفت سین)" table.  "Haft Sin" in English means the "Seven S's."  These seven S's are very important items that symbolize the New Year.  Here they are:

• sabzeh (سبزه) - wheat, or lentil sprouts to symbolize rebirth
• samanu (سمنو) - traditional pudding from germinated wheat to symbolize affluence
• senjed (سنجد) - dried oleaster fruit (similar to a cherry) to symbolize love
• seer (سیر) - garlic to symbolize medicine
• seeb (سیب) - apple to symbolize health and beauty
• somaq (سماق) - sumac (fruit that is ground into spice and used on meat and salads) to symbolize the color of sunrise
• serkeh (سرکه) - vinegar to symbolize old-age and patience

These items all hold a special place on the Haft Sin table to collectively symbolize a "Happy New Year!"  There are other items that have become popular to include on the Haft Sin table but are not necessary.  Some of these include:

• sekkeh (سکه) - coins to symbolize prosperity
• baghlava (باقلوا) - Iranian pastry made with phyllo dough, nuts, and honey
• eeneh (ايينه ) - mirror
• tokhmeh morg (تخم مرغ ) - egg (usually decorated) to symbolize fertility
• mahi talaee (ماهي طلايي ) - goldfish to symbolize life
• a book of poetry like the Shahname by Ferdowsi, or Divan by Hafez; or a Qr'an, or Bible

The Haft Sin table is similar to what the Christmas tree of the Western world.  It is something that is unique to every family that creates one.  The qualities in a Haft Sin table are brought out by the family.  They will select the items that are closest to them and represent their family, and their hopes for the New Year.  The Haft Sin table can also become a sort of status symbol.  Humans have a tendency to want to outshine one another so the more beautiful and elaborate your Haft Sin table, the more you can impress your friends and family.

Haji Firuz

     The traditional mascot, if you will, for Nowruz is Haji Firuz (حاجی فیروز).  Haji Firuz is clothed in red and his hands and face are painted black.  He represents the ancient Zoroastrian fire keepers who would tend the fires year round.  The red represents the firekeeper dress and the black paint represents how any human would look if his job were to tend a massive fire all day.  Haji will dance through the streets banging on his tambourine sing songs of cheer and a "Happy New Year!"  A popular Haji Firuz tune goes something like this "Haji Firuz eh, sali ye ruz eh" which in English "It's Haji Firuz, it happens once a year."  Like the Zoroastrian fire keeper he also goes through the streets reminding people to burn their old items and start life anew.
     Nowruz is the most important and celebrated holiday in Iran today.  It is thirteen days of fun, family, history, and fantastic food.  The end of Nowruz is celebrated on the thirteenth day of Nowruz known as Sizdah Bedar (سیزده بدر).  On this day it is imperative that everyone leave the home and go enjoy
the day with family and friends outdoors.