Nowruz 1401

Happy Nowruz

Persian New Year, known as Nowruz, falls on the spring equinox marking the first day of spring. 
It has many special customs associated with it and is one of the most important and oldest Persian holidays celebrated by all religious and ethnic groups in Persia.

Nowruz begins on the first day of spring (usually the 21st of March). and the 1st day of Farvardin.
The origin of Nowruz comes from Iran’s Zoroastrian past, and it is celebrated by all Persians across a multitude of religious or ethnic minority affiliations. 
It is also celebrated in many other countries including Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, and Albania to name a few.

A few days before the Nowruz, a special cloth is spread on the carpet or a table in the main room of every Persian household. 

This ceremonial place, called the Sofreh 7Sin, is where seven special items beginning with the Persian letter “Sin” or “S” are placed. 
The number seven is sacred in Iran since ancient times, and each item on the Sofreh is a symbol of spring, rebirth, and renewal :

1. Sabzeh: A sprout (usually wheat or lentil) or grass that grows in the weeks leading up to the New Year; symbolizes rebirth and renewal

2. Senjed: Dried fruit, ideally a sweet fruit from a lotus tree; symbolizes love

3. Sib: Apple; symbolizes beauty and health

4. Seer: Garlic; symbolizes medicine and good health

5. Samanu: A sweet pudding; symbolizes wealth and fertility

6. Serkeh: Vinegar; symbolizes patience and wisdom that comes with aging

7. Sumaq: A Persian spice made from crushed sour red berries; symbolizes the sunrise

In many households, a Mirror is placed on the Sofreh face up and a live Goldfish swimming in a bowl of clear water is placed next to the lentil or wheat sprouts growing since early March. 
This is also to symbolize life.

Millions of people around the world have celebrated Nowruz

Wishing you and your family a blessed Nowruz

Happy Nowruz 1401~ 2581
*  Eid Shoma Mobarak  *

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