Source: Iranica Institute
Writer: Anonymous |
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| Nowruz, in
word, means "New Day". It is the new day that starts
the year, traditionally the exact astronomical
beginning of the Spring. Iranians take that as the
beginning of the year. This exact second is called "Saal
Tahvil". Nowruz with its' uniquely Iranian
characteristics has been celebrated for at least
3,000 years and is deeply rooted in the rituals and
traditions of the Zoroastrian (This was the religion
of ancient Persia before the advent of Islam in 7th
century A.D.). |
| Iranians
consider Nowruz as their biggest celebration of the
year, before the new year, they start cleaning their
houses (Khaane Tekaani), and they buy new clothes.
But a major part of New Year rituals is setting the
"Haft Seen" with seven specific items. |
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"Haft Seen" |
| In ancient
times each of the items corresponded to one of the
seven creations and the seven holy immortals
protecting them. Today they are changed and modified
but some have kept their symbolism. All the seven
items start with the letter "S"; this was not the
order in ancient times. These seven things usually
are: Seeb (apple), Sabze (green grass), Serke
(vinegar), Samanoo (a meal made out of wheat),
Senjed (a special kind of berry), Sekke (coin), and
Seer (garlic). Sometimes instead of Serke they put
Somagh (sumak, an Iranian spice). Zoroastrians today
do not have the seven "S"s but they have the ritual
of growing seven seeds as a reminder that this is
the seventh feast of creation, while their sprouting
into new growth symbolized resurrection and eternal
life to come. |
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Wheat or lentil representing new growth is grown in
a flat dish a few days before the New Year and is
called Sabzeh (green shoots). Decorated with
colorful ribbons, it is kept until Sizdah beh dar,
the 13th day of the New Year, and then disposed
outdoors. A few live gold fish (the most easily
obtainable animal) are placed in a fish bowl. In the
old days they would be returned to the riverbanks,
but today most people will keep them. Mirrors are
placed on the spread with lit candles as a symbol of
fire. Most of the people used to place Qoran on
their Sofreh (spread) in order to bless the New
Year. But some people found another alternative to
Qoran and replaced it by the Divan-e Hafez (poetry
book of Hafez), and during "Saal Tahvil" reading
some verses from it was popular. Nowadays, a great
number of Iranians are placing Shahnameh (the Epic
of the Kings) of Ferdowsi on their spread as an
Iranian national book. They believe that Shahnameh
has more Iranian identity values and spirits, and is
much suitable for this ancient celebration. |
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Saal Tahvil or The Change of
the Year( Just like 12:01 AM Jan
1st ) |
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After the Saal Tahvil, people hug and kiss each
other and wish each other a happy new year. Then
they give presents to each other (traditionally
cash, coins or gold coins), usually older ones to
the younger ones. The first few days are spent
visiting older members of the family, relatives and
friends. Children receive presents and sweets,
special meals and "Aajil" (a combination of
different nuts with raisins and other sweet stuff)
or fruits are consumed. Traditionally on the night
before the New Year, most Iranians will have Sabzi
Polo Mahi, a special dish of rice cooked with fresh
herbs and served with smoked and freshly fried fish.
Koukou Sabzi, a mixture of fresh herbs with eggs
fried or baked, is also served. The next day rice
and noodles (Reshteh Polo) is served. Regional
variations exist and very colorful feasts are
prepared. |
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"Sizdah-Bedar" |
The 13th day of the new year is called "Sizdah Bedar"
and spent mostly outdoors.
People will leave their homes to go to the parks or
local plains for a festive picnic. It is a must to
spend Sizdah Bedar in nature. This is called Sizdah
Bedar and is the most popular day of the holidays
among children because they get to play a lot! Also
in this day, people throw the Sabze away, they
believe Sabze should not stay in the house after "Sizdah
Bedar". Iranians regard 13th day as a bad omen and
believe that by going into the fields and parks they
avoid misfortunes. It is also believed that unwed
girls can wish for a husband by going into the
fields and tying a knot between green shoots,
symbolizing a marital bond. |
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Nowruz Greetings: |
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Eid-eh Shoma Mobarak (Happy New Year to you)-- this
is the most common Phrase |
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Nowruz Pirooz (pea,rooz) (Wishing you a Prosperous
New Year); |
Nowruz Mobarak (Happy No-Rooz, Happy New Year);
Sad Saal be in Saal-ha (Wishing you 100 more Happy
New Years). |
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