Must-Know Nowruz Customs for a Joyful Celebration

 Must-Know Nowruz Customs for a Joyful Celebration

 Must-Know Nowruz Customs for a Joyful Celebration

Date: September 15, 2024

Nowruz, also known as the Persian New Year, is one of the most joyful celebrations observed in various parts of the world, especially in Iran and Central Asia. Nowruz marks the first day of spring and the renewal of nature. In 2024, many will come together to honor this centuries-old tradition with customs that have been passed down through generations.

This article explores the traditional customs that make Nowruz a special event. Whether you’re celebrating for the first time or have been participating for years, knowing these customs can help you enjoy this beautiful cultural celebration.

1. The Symbolic Haft-Seen Table

One of the most significant Nowruz customs is setting up the Haft-Seen table. This table includes seven symbolic items, each starting with the letter “S” in Persian. These items represent various aspects of life, such as health, wealth, and love. The most common items on the Haft-Seen table are:

• Sabzeh (wheat, barley, or lentil sprouts growing in a dish) representing rebirth and renewal.
• Samanu (a sweet pudding made from wheat germ) symbolizing power and strength.
• Senjed (dried oleaster fruit) standing for love and compassion.
• Seer (garlic) representing medicine and protection from illness.
• Seeb (apple) symbolizing beauty and health.
• Somāq (sumac berries) representing the sunrise and patience.
• Serkeh (vinegar) symbolizing aging and wisdom.

In addition to these items, families often add goldfish, mirrors, candles, painted eggs, and holy books to complete the Haft-Seen table. The table remains in place throughout the Nowruz celebrations.

2. Spring Cleaning: “Khoneh Tekooni”

Before the Nowruz festivities begin, families engage in a thorough cleaning of their homes. This tradition is called Khoneh Tekooni, which translates to “shaking the house.” The idea is to start the new year with a clean and fresh space. Dusting, sweeping, washing, and decluttering are all part of this process.

Khoneh Tekooni is about more than just cleaning the house; it also represents clearing away any negative energy from the previous year. A clean home symbolizes a fresh start and invites positive energy for the year ahead.

3. Buying and Wearing New Clothes

Another cherished Nowruz custom is buying and wearing new clothes to symbolize renewal and fresh beginnings. Families shop for new outfits to wear on the first day of the new year. This tradition is important because it reflects the concept of starting anew and looking forward to a prosperous year.

New clothes also symbolize respect for the celebration, and wearing them during visits to family and friends is seen as a way to honor loved ones and the holiday itself.

4. Visiting Family and Friends: “Did-o-Bazdid”

Nowruz is a time for reconnecting with family and friends, and a key custom is Did-o-Bazdid or exchanging visits. On the first day of Nowruz, people visit their elders to pay their respects, and in return, the elders often give out gifts, such as sweets or money.

The visiting custom continues throughout the holiday period, and it’s considered a sign of respect and closeness. Visiting family and friends strengthens social ties, and the atmosphere is filled with warmth, laughter, and well-wishes for the new year.

5. Giving Eidi: Gifts and Tokens

During Nowruz, it is customary to give Eidi, which are small gifts or tokens given to family members, especially children. Traditionally, elders give money or gold coins to the younger members of the family as a symbol of prosperity and good fortune.

Other popular gifts include sweets, flowers, or small items that carry symbolic meaning. Eidi is an important part of Nowruz celebrations and brings joy, especially to children who eagerly anticipate these gifts each year.

6. Jumping Over Fire: “Chaharshanbe Suri”

Chaharshanbe Suri takes place on the last Wednesday before Nowruz. It is a fire-jumping tradition that dates back to ancient times. People gather to light bonfires and jump over the flames, chanting, “Give me your red glow, take back my sickly pallor.” The fire is believed to cleanse participants of their worries, sickness, and misfortune, allowing them to start the new year with a healthy and happy spirit.

This lively event brings communities together, and the fire symbolizes purification and renewal. In recent years, fireworks have also become part of the celebration, adding even more excitement to the event.

7. Celebrating Nature: “Sizdah Bedar”

Sizdah Bedar is celebrated on the 13th day of Nowruz, and it marks the end of the holiday period. On this day, families and friends go outdoors for picnics and enjoy time in nature. This tradition symbolizes the connection between humans and the natural world, which Nowruz celebrates.

During Sizdah Bedar, people spend the day outside, playing games, sharing food, and relaxing. A special activity on this day is the act of throwing the Sabzeh from the Haft-Seen table into running water. This custom is believed to rid households of any negative energy left over from the previous year.

8. Welcoming the New Year with Good Luck Charms

Throughout Nowruz, good luck charms and symbols are commonly used to invite prosperity and happiness into the home. Many people display objects like coins, goldfish, or mirrors as part of their decorations.

Coins are placed on the Haft-Seen table to represent wealth and good fortune. Goldfish, a popular Nowruz symbol, are believed to bring life and vitality, while mirrors reflect light and brightness, symbolizing clarity and truth.

Conclusion

Nowruz is a celebration filled with rich customs that represent renewal, prosperity, and togetherness. From setting up the symbolic Haft-Seen table to spending time in nature on Sizdah Bedar, each tradition holds deep cultural significance.

These customs not only mark the beginning of a new year but also serve as a reminder of the importance of family, health, and gratitude. In 2024, whether you’re celebrating with loved ones or learning about the traditions for the first time, Nowruz offers a joyful and meaningful way to welcome the spring season. If you read more interesting social life stories. Click Here

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