What is Nowruz?

Known for its rich traditions and cultural significance, Nowruz marks the beginning of the Persian calendar year. Meaning "new day" in Persian, Nowruz is celebrated by more than 300 million people worldwide, primarily in Iran, Afghanistan, Central Asia, the Caucasus, and parts of the Balkans, including Kosovo and Albania. The thirteen-day celebration begins at the exact moment of the spring equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, causing the date to fall on either March 20 or 21 each year. Originating in the Greater Iran region over 3,000 years ago, Nowruz celebrates the arrival of spring, the triumph of light over darkness, and the beginning of the Solar Hijri calendar.

According to the Shahnameh, the Persian Book of Kings, Nowruz began with the legendary King Jamshid. The story tells that after saving humanity from a devastating winter, Jamshid ordered a magnificent throne to be built and lifted into the sky by demons. As the throne caught the sunlight, it illuminated the land, and the people declared the day Nowruz. While this legend remains an enduring part of Persian culture, historians trace the holiday's origins to Zoroastrianism, one of the world's oldest monotheistic religions. Although Nowruz is now celebrated as a secular cultural holiday by many, its roots lie in Zoroastrian beliefs about renewal, the victory of light over darkness, and the changing of the seasons.

One of Nowruz's most cherished traditions is the Haft Seen ("Seven S's"), a ceremonial table displaying seven symbolic items whose Persian names begin with the letter س (seen). Together, they represent themes of renewal, reflection, and prosperity. Common items include sabzeh (sprouted greens, symbolizing rebirth), seeb (apple, for beauty and health), seer (garlic, representing health and protection), serkeh (vinegar, symbolizing patience and wisdom), samanu (a sweet wheat pudding, representing strength and abundance), senjed (oleaster fruit, symbolizing love), and somaq (sumac, representing the sunrise and the triumph of light).

Traditional Persian Haft Seen

Another beloved tradition is Chaharshanbe Suri, celebrated on the eve of the last Wednesday before Nowruz. Families gather to light small bonfires and take turns jumping over the flames while chanting:

Zardi-ye man az to, sorkhi-ye to az man.

("My yellow is yours; your red is mine.")

The chant symbolizes giving one's sickness, weakness, and sorrow to the fire while receiving its warmth, energy, and vitality in return. It is a joyful celebration that brings together people of all ages, from young children to grandparents.

Above all, Nowruz is a celebration of renewal. Families gather to share meals, exchange gifts, clean their homes, visit loved ones, and reflect on the past year while looking forward to the one ahead. More than a New Year celebration, Nowruz is a tradition that has united generations for over three millennia and continues to connect millions of people to their cultural heritage today.