Iranian traditions in Nowrouz

Welcome to the second part of our special Nowruz or New Year programme.

Every year, on the first day of spring, the start of the New Year, Iranians assemble around "Haft Seen" table in an atmosphere of joy and affection. The Haft Seen table is a symbol of freshness and an excuse to bring together family members in the spiritual moments of the start of the New Year. On the Haft Seen table, there are seven dishes and food items that begin with the letter “Seen” or "S" and symbolize the abundance of agricultural products. It consists of: Sabzeh or green sprouts of wheat, lentil as the symbol of reproduction, Samanu the sweet pudding made from wheat, Seeb or Apple as the symbol of beauty, health and fertility, Senjed or Oleaster as the symbol of love, Somaq or Sumac berries and Seer or Garlic as symbols of health and happiness, and Serkeh or Vinegar as the symbol of patience. In addition to these items, Iranians place colorful eggs as symbolizing production and creation, the mirror symbolizing transparence and purity, water which symbolizes blessing and light, red fish symbolizing life and movement, coin symbolizing prosperity and candle symbolizing light and heat.

Branches of cypress, hyacinths, and pearl flowers are the other items of the Haft-Seen table, whose aromas give the fragrance of spring. Candy and sweets are also placed on the table. But the most important item on the Haft-Seen is the holy Qur’an. In some regions of Iran, milk and yogurt are also placed on the table to symbolize whiteness and cleanliness as well as bread and cheese and vegetable for the blessing of the New Year.

At the start of the New Year, ayahs from the holy Qur’an are recited, and then New Year greetings are exchanged. It is customary for the elders of the family to give money Eidi or Eid presents in the form of money or other gifts to family members who are entertained with sweets.

Exchange of visits amongst family members and friends is also a well- established tradition of Nowrouz for all Iranians despite their different cultures. The Islamic Republic of Iran is home to many different ethnic and linguistic groups and religions. For example there Turks, Kurds, Lors, Baluchs , Fars, Gilak, Arabs and various other ethnicities living in Iran. But all of these different ethnic and linguistic groups celebrate Nowrouz in a very similar manner, observing identical, or very similar, customs and traditions. Thus Nowrouz has always been a unifying factor in Iran, bringing all Iranians together. There are many customs and traditions associated with Nowrouz in Iran—for example buying new clothes in the run-up to Nowrouz, and wearing new clothes on the Day of Nowrouz., visiting family and relatives, particularly the elders of the family or relatives, during the Nowrouz holidays, it is particularly important to show your respect to elder members of your family, walking and picnicking in nature and outdoors.

The Nowruz holidays are a great opportunity to relax and travel, in addition to meeting friends and acquaintances. Usually, many families devote part of the Nowruz holiday to traveling to different parts of Iran. Particularly in the spring, the diverse and beautiful nature of Iran is very spectacular. The northern regions of Iran with green forests and the Caspian Sea coast are one of the attractive areas for Norouz travelers. The beautiful beaches on the Persian Gulf in southern Iran, with its warm and pleasant spring weather, have their own enthusiasts. Major cities such as Isfahan, Shiraz, Tabriz, Kerman, Yazd and holy Mashhad with their unique historical and religious attractions receive most Nowrouz travelers.

The Kurdish people living in Iran, Iraq, Turkey and Syria, celebrate Nowrouz with all its glory, observing all the traditions and customs of Nowrouz. There are several different dialects of Kurdish, and Kurdish people have different religions, but one thing they all have in common, is that all Kurds celebrate Nowrouz. Traditionally the Kurdish people light up a fire, when the New Year is ushered in.  The “fire of Nowrouz” is based on ancient Kurdish beliefs. Usually the highest point in a locality is chosen to light up a fire, which of course, in an urban setting, means lighting a fire on the roofs of houses or apartment blocks. Many Kurds observe this tradition. For the Kurds, the day of Nowrouz represents “not only a day of wealth and blessing, but also a day of peace, reconciliation, and friendship”. 

The Kurdish people of the city of “Mardin”, in southern Turkey, wear new clothes on the day of Nowrouz, and they visit family, relatives and friend on the morning of the first day of Nowrouz. Later on that day, they gather in one of the main squares in the town of Mardin, and celebrate Nowrouz together.

The “Zaza Kurds” of Turkey, who live mostly in eastern Anatolia, and speak “Zaza Kurdish”, always celebrate Nowrouz, which usually falls on 21st March each year. The “Zaza Kurds” take part in a series of customs and rituals on the first day of Nowrouz, which they call the “customs and rituals of Jam”. It is worth noting that music is an essential part of the Nowrouz customs and traditions of “Zaza Kurds”.

The Kurds of Iraq, as well as of Syria, also celebrate Nowrouz with festivities.