Nowrooz is a time of renewal, rejuvenation and reflection. It’s time to leave the past behind and focus on the future. The days before Nowrooz are full of cleaning and decluttering the home, as a clean home is believed to bring good luck for the new year. People also buy new clothes to wear on Nowrooz as this is a symbol of new beginnings and fresh starts.
On Nowrooz day, Persians gather with their families and loved ones to celebrate. The centerpiece of the Nowrooz celebration is the Haft Sin, which is a table covered with seven symbolic objects beginning with the Persian letter “sin”. These objects represent health, wealth, love, beauty, wisdom, fertility and patience. Each family adds their own personality to Haft Sin, and it is a source of pride and joy for all.
Haft Sin is a traditional table setting that is the centerpiece of the Persian New Year (Nowrooz) celebration. The table is usually covered with seven items beginning with the Persian letter “sin” (س). Objects may vary according to region and family traditions, but the most common Haft Sin objects are:
Sabzeh (سبزه) – wheat, lentil or barley sprouts growing in a vessel, representing rebirth and renewal.
Samanu (سمنو) – a sweet pudding made from wheat germ, symbolizing wealth and fertility.
Senjed (سنجد) – the dried fruit of the lotus tree, representing love.
Sir (سير) – garlic that symbolizes good health.
Sib (سيب) – apples that represent beauty and health.
Somāq (سماق) – sumac berries representing the color of the sunrise and the victory of good over evil.
Serkeh (سركه) – vinegar that symbolizes age and patience.
Other items that can be added to the Haft Sin include coins (for prosperity), a mirror (for reflection and self-awareness), a book of poetry (for knowledge and wisdom), and painted eggs (for fertility and new life).
More recently, some people have added other items to the Haft Sin that begin with the Persian letter for “sin,” such as a goldfish (سيماها) for life or a clock (ساعت) for time. However, the seven traditional items are still the core of Haft Sin.
Another important tradition of Nowrooz is Chaharshanbe Suri, a fire-jumping ceremony held on the last Tuesday night of the Persian year. People jump over the bonfire to symbolize cleansing and burning negativity from the past year. It is a joyous celebration and people sing and dance around the fires while jumping over them.
Nowrooz is a time to feast and enjoy delicious Persian food. Sabzi Polo Mahi, which is rice cooked with herbs and served with fish, is a popular dish during Nowrooz. Other traditional dishes include Kookoo Sabzi, which is a herbal omelette, and Ashe Reshte, which is a soup made of beans and noodles.
Nowrooz is celebrated not only in Iran, but also in other countries of the Persian diaspora such as Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. It is time for all Persians to come together and celebrate their shared history and culture.
The exact vernal equinox in Helsinki in 2023 is March 20 at 23:24 local time in the Eastern European time zone, which is UTC+2.
Nowrooz is a revered holiday in Persian culture and is a time of renewal, reflection and celebration. As Persians around the world prepare to celebrate Nowrooz in 2023, let us all come together to wish each other a happy and prosperous New Year. Happy Nowrooz!
HT
Source: The Nordic Page