Norooz

In the west, people celebrate the New Year on January 1st which is the beginning of the year according to the Julian calendar; however, in some countries like Iran, Afghanistan, and Turkey, people celebrate the New Year with the first new moon after the vernal or spring equinox, which is the first day of spring. This is based on the solar calendar. In Iran, the New Year is called Norooz, which in Farsi means a new day. This holiday is meant to celebrate new life, leaving the darkness of winter behind and entering the life of spring. Norooz has been celebrate for more than 3000 years and is deeply rooted in the tradition of Zoroastrian, the religion of ancient Persia before the advent of Islam in 7th century A.D. Stone carving dating back to the Achaemenid Empire in the twelfth century BC show kings receiving gifts, and entertaining large groups of people during one of the first Norooz festivals. Although Norooz is a Zoroastrian ceremony, Jews, Christians, Muslims, Baha’is, and others celebrate Norooz precisely at the time of vernal equinox, the first day of the first month, on about March 21.
Iranians begin to prepare for this day at least one month in advance. The preparation for this day starts with people cleaning their houses. In addition, almost every Iranian performs major cleanings like washing their carpets, organizing their house, and gardening. It is also considered customary to purchase new clothing during this time of year to be worn at the evening of the Norooz.
“A major part of this holiday rituals is setting the table, which Persian call ‘haft-seen’. Before the holiday the table is set with seven (haft) symbolic items that all start with the letter seen, S in English” (Iranian chamber society). This display is usually set up a few weeks ahead of the celebration, similar to the Christmas decorations. The items on the table are Sabzeh (sprouted seeds), Sib (apple), Sonbol (the hyacinth flower), Sir (garlic), Senjed (a dried jujube fruit), Somogh (lemon paper), and Serkeh (vinegar). These items represent truth, justice, good thought and deeds, prosperity, virtue, immorality, and generosity (Spencer). Other offering on the table are often pastries, candles, a mirror to reflect the candlelight, colored eggs (for fertility), coins (prosperity), the Koran (Islamic holy book) or poetry books, and a bowl with goldfish because they are considered lucky.
On the day of Norooz, family members dress in their best outfits, sit around the table, and wait for announcers on radio or TV to count down to the exact time of vernal equinox. This is similar to people in the America watching the New Year programming on TV, waiting for the ball to drop in New York City. During the time that family members are waiting for the announcement, the head of the family recites the Norooz prayer. Immediately after the start of vernal equinox, family member kiss each other and wish each other a happy and successful year. At this time, the elder give gifts or money to the younger members of the family. The most common and traditional food that usually people eat on this day is Sabzipolo-Mahi fried fish with rice) and Coocoo-Sabzi (herbed omelet).
The celebration of Norooz usually lasts thirteen days. During these days Iranian visit friends and relatives, with the younger people going to the older family member’s house. The thirteenth and last day of the Norooz celebration is considered to be a special day. “The thirteenth day of New Year, one that is consider unlucky, is called Sizdah Bedar that in English means ‘getting rid of thirteen’” (Spencer). On this day, Persians leave their house for outdoor activities such as picnicking and barbequing. Being outdoors is meant to thwart bad luck because Persians believe that if one stays indoor on this day, it will bring them bad luck during the entire year. There is an old tale that may explain why the thirteenth day is considered unlucky. It is believed that during the days of the Persian Empire, on the thirteenth day of one particular new year, an major earthquake occurred, killing many people who had stayed indoors. One of the activities during this day is the discarding of Sabzeh (sprouted seeds), as “it has supposedly absorbed all the pain and hardship that may lie in wait for the family during the coming year” (Spencer). Thus, over time Norooz has become the embodiment and essence of the Iranian culture. It has transformed and evolved just as all Iranians have throughout the years. Norooz is not just a celebration, it is the symbol of a new beginning and re-birth. In harmony with the rebirth of nature, Norooz always begins on the first day of spring. Norooz ceremonies are symbolic representations of two ancient concepts - the end and the re-birth; or good and evil