By Zhina Ali

Nowruz, known as the Persian New Year, is one of the most deeply rooted celebrations in Persian Culture, symbolising not just the start of the year but a time of hope, renewal and reflection.

The word Nowruz translates to “new day”, marking the first day of spring. It falls around March 20th or 21st, depending on the timing of the vernal equinox. Nowruz is celebrated by millions of people, uniting various countries, communities and cultures.

The history of Nowruz dates back over 3,000 years to the Zoroastrian era. It was celebrated as a symbol of the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and the renewal of life.

Though evolved over time and adapted to customs of different regions, the essence of Nowruz remains grounded in its ancient roots, emphasising the theme of rebirth and unity. It is celebrated by many ethnic groups in the Middle East and Central Asia.

Nowruz is celebrated for 13 days, with preparations beginning well before the official start of the new year. In the days leading up to the occasion, families engage in a thorough spring cleaning, a practice known as “Khaneh Tekani”.

This custom represents a fresh start, removing negative energy or bad luck that may have accumulated over the year. People buy new clothes, decorate their homes and prepare special dishes, each with its own symbolic meaning.

One of the most ancient traditions of Nowruz is the setting of a Haft-sin table, a centrepiece of the celebration. Haft-Sin, meaning “Seven S,” is an arrangement of seven symbolic items on the table, each starting with the Persian Letter “S”.

These items represent different aspects of nature and life, such as:

Sabzeh: Sprout of wheat that symbolises rebirth and renewal

Samanu: Sweet Pudding made from wheat germ that symbolises fertility and affluence

Senjed: Dried fruit from the oleaster tree, symbolising affection and love

Seer: Garlic, symbolising health and beauty

Somaq: Sumac that symbolises sunrise and the victory of good over evil

Serkeh: Vinegar, symbolising patience and age
Seeb: Apple, symbolising beauty and health

In addition to these symbolic items, the table also includes a mirror, candles, goldfish, coins, hyacinth flowers and a poetry book, for example Divan of Hafez. The book on the table symbolises wisdom and spiritual growth.

The night before Nowruz, known as Chaharshanbe Suri (the Festival of Fire), is filled with anticipation and excitement. Persian people celebrate this ritual by jumping over a fire. Cleansing the soul and driving away the evil spirits.

The fiery celebrations are accompanied by loud festivities including dancing, music and fireworks. Creating an atmosphere of joy and renewal.

The first 12 days of Nowruz are a time for reflection, rejuvenation and connecting to loved ones. It’s filled with various cultural and family activities, including visits to relatives or friends, enjoying traditional foods and honouring the Haft-sin table.

On the 13th day, known as Sizdah Bedar, friends and families go outside to celebrate by spending the day picnicking, making BBQ, enjoying nature, participating in outdoor activities and playing pranks.

It is required to celebrate outside as it’s believed it is bad luck to stay home on the last day of Nowruz.

Sizdah Bedar is the symbolic act of throwing away Sabzeh (the sprout of wheat or lentils) that were part of the Haft-Sin table. This is done to rid oneself of negative energy from the past year. The day is filled with open arms, joy, laughter and spirit of renewal, a final celebration marking the end of the formal Nowruz period and the start of a new year.

Nowruz is celebrating the year 2584. The Persian New Year welcomes everyone from different cultures. If you have found this interesting and would like to celebrate, feel free to join the Nowruz party on Wednesday, 19th March, from 6:30pm to midnight in Arta nightclub, 62 Albion Street, Glasgow. Tickets are £25 for adults and 5-12 are £10.

Persian New Year: a celebration of culture, tradition and renewal