Nowruz: The Persian New Year

How families around the world welcome spring with old traditions

What Is Nowruz?

Nowruz means "new day" in Persian. It is the Persian New Year, and people celebrate it on the first day of spring. The holiday is more than 3,000 years old, and millions of people enjoy it in Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and other countries. Families come together, and the whole feeling is one of hope and happiness. For many people, Nowruz is the most important day of the year.

The Haft-Sin Table

A few days before Nowruz, families set a special table called haft-sin. The name means "seven S's" because the table holds seven items that start with the letter S in Persian. Common items are apples (sib), garlic (sir), and a sweet pudding (samanu). Each item is a symbol of something good, like health, love, or a job. A mirror, a holy book, and goldfish in a bowl are also on the table. The haft-sin is the heart of the New Year celebration.

Spring Cleaning: Khaneh Tekani

Before Nowruz, families do a big house cleaning called khaneh tekani. People wash carpets, open windows, and throw away old things. This is a way to say goodbye to winter and welcome spring with a clean home. Children often help by cleaning their own rooms. The idea is that a clean house brings good luck for the year. This is a very old tradition that many families still follow today.

Family Visits and Small Gifts

During Nowruz, people visit their older family members first, like grandparents and aunts. Young people often give small gifts or money called "eidi" to children. The visits usually include tea, sweets, and lots of talking. People also travel back to their home towns to be with loved ones. Roads and airports are very busy during this time. The holiday is a time to feel close to the people you love.

New Clothes and a Big Feast

On the first day of Nowruz, everyone wears new or very clean clothes. Houses are full of flowers, and the air smells nice. Families sit down for a big feast with rice, fish, and many other dishes. They eat slowly, laugh, and enjoy the day together. The feeling of renewal — a fresh start — is everywhere. It is a happy day for children and adults alike.

Chaharshanbe Suri: The Night of Fire

The last Tuesday before Nowruz is called Chaharshanbe Suri, which means "Wednesday fire." People light small bonfires in the streets and jump over them. Jumping over fire is a way to leave bad luck behind and feel strong for the new year. Children and adults both take part, and neighbors share nuts and sweets. The night is full of laughter, music, and warm light. It is one of the most exciting parts of the whole holiday.