Nowruz

When is Nowruz?

Nowruz is celebrated on March 21.

What is Nowruz?

Nowruz is the Persian New Year. However, you don’t have to be Persian to celebrate. Also known as Nauryz, Navruz or Nowrouz, it means “new day.” It’s not a religious holiday but rather a universal celebration of new beginnings: wishing prosperity and welcoming the future while shedding away the past. It is celebrated in many countries that once comprised the Persian Empire, including Iran and Afghanistan; as well as in Central & Western Asia, the Balkans, parts of India, and the Middle East.

Did you know . . .?

• It’s no coincidence it falls on the first day of spring. The Iranian calendar is a solar calendar, meaning time is determined, through astronomical observations, by Earth’s movement around the sun. So, the first day of the year always kicks off with the natural phenomenon of the vernal equinox.
• Traditions include the “Haft Sin” table, which includes seven symbolic items starting with the Farsi letter “S.” They include wheat grass, herbs, dried food and vinegar, all representing various hopes for the new year, including health, wealth and prosperity. For example, “Sir,” the word for garlic, represents protection from illness and evil, while vinegar, or “Serkeh,” represents longevity and patience. The tables also include mirrors, candles, decorated eggs, water and various fruits. Many families also place a goldfish on the table for good luck and poetry books or the Quran to symbolize education and enlightenment.

Want to learn more?

Visit the Newroz Market in Nashville or Azadi International Food Market.

Watch how Nowruz is celebrated:

Listen to the New Year song here.

Read more about the traditions here.