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International Day of Nowruz

March 21, 2023 All day

a bowl of grass surrounded by treats for International Day of Nowruz

International Day of Nowruz is celebrated on March 21st, the day of the vernal equinox, and is a celebration of the Persian New Year.

Nowruz is an ancient tradition that has been celebrated for over 3,000 years in Iran and other parts of the world. The day is a symbol of hope, renewal, and new beginnings.

Nowruz marks the beginning of spring, and it is celebrated for 13 days. The word Nowruz means “new day” in Persian, and the festival marks the end of the winter and the beginning of the spring. It is a time to clean the house, buy new clothes, and prepare a special table called the “Haft-Seen” table, which is a table adorned with seven symbolic items that represent renewal, growth, and prosperity.

What is the Haft-Seen Table?

The Haft-Seen table is a central part of the Nowruz celebration. It is typically decorated with seven items that begin with the Persian letter “S” or “Sin.” These items include apples, garlic, sumac, coins, and a mirror. Each of these items has a symbolic meaning, such as garlic for health, apples for beauty, sumac for sunrise, coins for wealth, and a mirror for reflection.

In addition to the Haft-Seen table, Nowruz celebrations often include the exchange of gifts, visiting family and friends, and eating special foods such as Sabzi Polo, a herbed rice dish, and reshteh polo, a noodle and rice dish. People also visit shrines and cemeteries to pay respect to their ancestors.

Where is The International Day of Nowruz Celebrated?

Nowruz is celebrated in Iran, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, as well as by the Persian diaspora around the world. It is a time for people to come together, share their culture, and celebrate the arrival of spring and the new year.

What does it Celebrate?

International Day of Nowruz is a time to celebrate the values and traditions of the Nowruz festival. It is an opportunity to recognize the importance of renewal, growth, and new beginnings in our lives. It is a reminder that, no matter what challenges we face, there is always the potential for growth and renewal.

One way to celebrate International Day of Nowruz is to learn more about the traditions and culture of the Persian New Year. You can research the history of Nowruz, the meaning of the Haft-Seen table, and the various foods and customs associated with the celebration.

Another way to celebrate is to attend a Nowruz festival or event in your community. Many cities around the world hold Nowruz festivals, which feature music, dance, food, and cultural displays. Attending a festival is a great way to learn more about Persian culture and connect with members of the Persian community.

You can also celebrate by sharing the spirit of Nowruz with others. You can exchange gifts or prepare a Haft-Seen table in your own home to mark the arrival of spring and the new year. You can also share traditional foods and customs with your family and friends, and take time to reflect on the values of renewal and growth.

International Day of Nowruz is a celebration of the Persian New Year, which marks the beginning of spring and the arrival of the new year. It is a time to celebrate renewal, growth, and new beginnings, and to connect with Persian culture and traditions. Whether you attend a festival, prepare a Haft-Seen table, or simply take time to reflect on the values of Nowruz, the day is an opportunity to celebrate the potential for growth and renewal in our lives.