This year has somehow brought more normality back into our lives. With the global rollout of the Covid19 vaccine, traveling could start to resume by the end of 2021. Nevertheless, at NZ Travel & Tour, we have been lucky enough to explore some amazing local destinations in this beautiful country of ours. On the other hand, virtual traveling has been our saviour through these tough times.
March and April mark the arrival of spring in the Northern hemisphere. For many of us, these upcoming months have been associated with overseas travels and summer holidays spent elsewhere.
In this edition, we would like to welcome Spring into your homes and hearts. There is something about spring and the power of new beginnings. Iranians celebrate the arrival of spring as Persian Nowruz, also known as Persian New Year. this year it happens on the 20th of March at exactly 10:37pm and it comes with its own set of traditions to follow. Here is everything you need to know about Persian Nowruz.

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warms wishes
NZ Travel & Tour

There is something about spring and the power of new beginnings. Iranians celebrate the arrival of spring as Persian Nowruz on the first day of vernal equinox. In the Northern Hemisphere, the spring equinox is when winter ends and spring begins astronomically. Nowruz essentially means "new day". Like the Chinese New Year, Nowruz is the Persian New Year which usually falls on the 20th or 21st of March.
Nowruz, a UN-recognised hallmark event, has nothing to do with religious beliefs. In fact, it is based on astronomical celestial events. Persians have been celebrating Nowruz for over 3000 years. Nowruz is deeply rooted in the rituals and traditions of Zoroastrians, which is the ancient religion of Persia before the advent of Islam in 7th century A.D.

Persian Nowruz Rituals

Nowruz celebrations span over 13 days. It is custom to spring clean the house in preparation for Nowruz. Arranging and preparing the ceremonial Nowruz spread ”Haft Seen” is a significant part of Nowruz. During Nowruz, Iranians pay visit to the homes of the elderly as an act of respect. Gifts in terms of fresh money notes or other forms are usually exchanged. Festivities involve visiting family and friends, dancing, singing and eating lots of fresh fruit, nut and seed trail mix (Ajil), sweets and delicious food over Nowruz holidays.

The Haft Seen table is the symbol of Nowruz. Persians prepare this spread by laying out 7 symbolic items starting with the letter ”S” in Persian. Furthermore, they add Complementary items such as a mirror, candles, the holy book of Quran or poetry of Hafez, coins, painted eggs, goldfish and seasonal Hyacinth flowers. These items all have symbolic meanings associated with wealth, health, prosperity and new beginnings.
Haft Seen (Haft Sin) comprises of the following symbolic items:
1- Sabze or wheat grass symbolises the rebirth of nature, prosperity and growth.
2- Samanu is a sweet Persian pudding, made out of wheat sprouts. It symbolises the sweet moments of life.
3- Senjed or sweet silver berry symbolises love. It is a dried fruit and tasty.
4- Sumaq with its crimson colour symbolises the colour of dawn before sunrise. Hence it represents the victory of light over darkness.
5- Serkeh or vinegar represents patience, old age and wisdom.
6- Sib or red apples symbolise beauty.
7- Sir or garlic symbolises health.

On the last day of Nowruz which falls on the 13th day of spring, Persians leave their homes to go outdoors in parks, mountains and countryside for a festive picnic. On this day, Sizdah Bedar, Persians believe in getting rid of bad omens by going out into the nature. Single girls are also encouraged to tie a knot between green shoots, symbolising marriage and good fortune in the new year ahead.