Persian New Year: Learn about Nowruz and how to celebrate

Nowruz translates to ‘New Day’ in Farsi and marks the Iranian/Persian New Year. This year Nowruz falls on 20 March.

Nowruz represents the start of spring and new beginnings. It’s celebrated across countries in the Middle East and Central Asia.

What is Nowruz?

Celebrated by more than three million people each year, Nowruz begins on the spring equinox, marking the first day of Farvardin in the Iranian calendar.

Before the official date, spring cleaning takes place in the home to cleanse and start fresh. Often families gather and exchange hopes and wishes for the new year ahead.

While this holiday centres around a ‘fresh start’, there are some key elements that allow those in the Persian community time to reflect. This 13-day celebration symbolises renewal, encouraging reflection through ‘lessons’ observed throughout. It’s a time to reset, cherish family, and connect with nature.

The history of Nowruz

Nowruz has deep roots in Zoroastrianism, one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions. It’s celebrated in many countries that are influenced by Persian culture such as Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Turkey, and Kazakhstan. 

Historically, Nowruz dates back to the Achaemenid Empire (550-330 B.C.), with records of grand celebrations in ancient Persepolis.

According to mythology, rulers of all the subject countries were summoned at Nowruz to bring gifts and pay homage to the king at Persepolis.

While Nowruz traditions vary across regions, they all embrace the spirit of renewal, fresh starts, and honouring nature.

How is Nowruz celebrated?  

There are many traditions and celebrations linked to Nowruz, from family gatherings and parties with special foods to more thrilling aspects like fire jumping.  

Chahārshanbe Suri (چهارشنبه سوری), or the Festival of Fire, is a Nowruz tradition held on the last Tuesday night of the Persian year. The fire symbolises the transition from darkness to light, winter to spring and is an important part of celebrating Persian New Year.

Jumping over flames is believed to drive away evil, sickness, and negative energy, making it a key part of Persian New Year celebrations.  

There are also calmer elements to commemorating Nowruz, like the emphasis on being with friends and family to share a sacred meal. Haft-sin (typically a dinner meal) consists of seven items beginning with the letter ‘S’ (in Persian) to be laid out on the table. These include: sirkeh (vinegar) that represents age; sikkeh (coin) that represents wealth and prosperity; seer (garlic) that represents good health; seeb (apples) that represents health and natural beauty; sabzeh (wheat) that represents rebirth, renewal and good fortune; samanu (wheat pudding) that represents wealth and fertility; and sumac (spice) that represents the sunrise and the celebration of a new day.

We wish all students, staff and alumni a very happy and prosperous new year. Nowruz Mubarak!