NOROOZ

Norooz, Iranian New Year 

Year of 1389 

In harmony with rebirth of nature, the Persian New Year Celebration, or Norooz, always begins on the first day of spring, March 20th of each year. Norooz ceremonies are symbolic representations of two ancient concepts - the End and Rebirth. About 3000 years ago Persian's major religion was Zoroastrianism, named in honor of its founder Zoroaster, and arguably the world's first monotheistic religion. Zoroastrians 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 Norooz, at the beginning of spring signified rebirth, and was a time of great joy and celebration. Norooz was officially acknowledged and named "Norooz" by mythical Persian emperor, Shah Jamshid, from Achaemenid Dynasty (500 BC). Ashaemenied created the first major empire in the region and built Persepolis complex (Takhte Jamshid) in the city of Shiraz. Norooz in Persian means "New Day" and brings hope, peace and prosperity to the world and has been celebrated among people regardless of ethnic background, political views or religion in many countries around the globe such as Iran, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Georgia, Iraq, Tajikistan, Syria ,Armenia and India. Some of the activities during Norooz are Spring cleaning, buying new cloths, painting eggs, family reunion, giving presents, visiting neighbors and friends and celebrating by having a picnic on the 13th day of Spring. 

 

 "Happy Norooz!"    

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 Haft 'Seen' Table Items      

Persian Name	Definition	Description & Symbolism	Position
Sabzeh	Spring Sprouts	Made from wheat or lentil this S signifies rebirth and renewal. Read about how you grow these sprouts at home.	The First S on the Sofreh.
Senjed	A sweet, dry fruit of a lotus tree	The fragrant and blooming lotus tree makes people fall in love so it is natural that its fruit would signify love and affection	The Second S on the Sofreh
Sib	Apple	A big red apple represents health and beauty.	Third S on the Sofreh
Samanu	Wheat Pudding	Wheat and wheat products signify sweetness and fertility.	Fourth S on the Sofreh
Serkeh	Vinegar	White Vinegar signifies age and patience.	Fifth S on the Sofreh
Somagh	Crushed Sumac berries	This S symbolizes the spice of life. Some say Somagh represents the color of the sunrise and with the sun all evil is conquered.	Sixth S on the Sofreh
Seer	Garlic	This medicinal S is a sign of good health.	Seventh S on the Sofreh
Sekeh	Gold Coins	Wealth and Prosperity	Optional S.
Sonbol	Hyacinth Flower	Purple or pink hyacinth are common on the Sofreh and also represent life and beatuy.	Optional S.
Sangak	Flatbread	Noon-e Sangak represents prosperity for the feasts. It can be accompanied by Naan-o Panir, which is Iranian feta cheese and fresh herbs to be eaten at the feast.	Optional S.
Sohan Asali	Honey Almonds	A sweet honey candy made with pistchios.	Optional S.
Gold Fish	Mahi	Gold Fish in a clear white bowl represents life and the end of the astral year associated with the constellation Pisces.	On the Sofreh
Ayne	A Mirror	To bring light & brightness into the New Year	Head of the Sofreh
Sha’am	Two Candelabras	Candles large or small can be used and symbolize fire & energy.	On either side of the mirror.
Tokhm-e Morgh	Decorated Eggs	Symbolizes fertility. Eggs are painted by children much like Easter eggs are painted.	On the Sofreh. Can be as elaborate as desired.
Ajil	Assorted Nuts	Iranians love nuts. They can be roasted pistachios, walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts	On the Sofreh
Scriptures	Avesta, Gatha Scriptures, or Poetry depending on beliefs	Symbolizes blessings and faith in the New Year. You can also place a Divan-e Hafez or other book of faith and knowledge.	Placed in the middle. Put money in the pages of the book and give out Eidi after sal tahvil.
Shirini	Sweets & Pastries	Noghl, Baaghlavaa, Toot, Noon-e Berenji, Noon-e Nokhodchi and any other sweets you prefer	On the Sofreh
Esfand or Esphand	Wild Rue	A brazier "Manghal" holding burning coals sprinkled with "Esphand" a popular incense. It keeps the evil eye away and brings on health.	Nearby