CONTACT US
See our 645 reviews on trustpilot
WHOLESALE
Shopping Cart
cart__empty

IS EVERYTHING OKAY?

Your shopping bag is empty.
Shop New in My saved items
Sign in
Register

Enjoy the added benefits of creating a personal account.

Create an Account
Persis Collection
Sign In / Sign Up user
USD-currency-flag
USD
GBP-currency-flag
GBP
USD-currency-flag
USD
EUR-currency-flag
EUR
AUD-currency-flag
AUD
CAD-currency-flag
CAD

Nowruz, also known as the Persian New Year, marks the beginning of spring and has been celebrated for over 3,000 years. This ancient festival signifies new beginnings, rejuvenation, and the triumph of light over darkness. One of the most enchanting aspects of Nowruz is the Haft-Seen table, where seven items starting with the Persian letter S are displayed to symbolize different elements of life. However, what truly sets Nowruz apart is its focus on hope and renewal, serving as a powerful reminder to embrace change and growth. 


Secure payment

Worldwide shipping

Number one Persian gallery

5 Star review

Secure delivery

Working with over 100 artisans

Fairtrade

Easy returns

Secure payment


Load More

The Essence of Nowruz

Celebrating Nature’s Rebirth Nowruz, marking the first day of spring and the beginning of the year in the Iranian calendar, is a festivity rooted in the rich tapestry of Persian culture. This ancient festival, dating back at least 3,000 years, symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and the joyous rebirth of nature. Originating from the religious traditions of Zoroastrianism, the oldest monotheistic religion, Nowruz transcends cultural and geographical boundaries, uniting communities across various countries, including Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and parts of Turkey and India.

[readmore]

Preparations for Nowruz

Cultivating a Fresh Start The lead-up to Nowruz is as significant as the festival itself, embodying the spirit of renewal and preparation. Haft-Seen, a traditional table setting, is the centerpiece of the celebrations. Families gather seven items starting with the letter ‘S’ in the Persian language, each symbolizing a different hope for the new year: rebirth, love, affluence, medicine, patience, sunrise, and age. Preparations also involve a thorough cleaning of homes, known as Khaneh Tekani, or ‘shaking the house’, symbolizing the purging of old energies to welcome the new.

Nowruz Customs and Traditions

 Nowruz is not just a single day of celebration but a series of communal, familial, and personal customs that extend over two weeks. One of the most iconic traditions is the Jumping over Fire, or Chaharshanbe Suri, taking place on the eve of the last Wednesday before Nowruz. Participants leap over bonfires, chanting, “Give me your beautiful red color and take back my sickly pallor,” signifying a cleansing of illness and problems.

The festival culminates in Sizdah Bedar, the thirteenth day of the new year, where families venture out into nature, often picnicking in parks or by riversides. It’s a day steeped in the philosophy of harmony with nature, with the practice of tying greenery and then casting it into running water, symbolizing the removal of any misfortune or negativity.

Nowruz Cuisine

A Feast for the Senses Culinary traditions play a pivotal role in Nowruz celebrations, with each dish carrying symbolic importance. Sabzi Polo Mahi, a delicious herbed rice served with fish, represents new life and prosperity. Another staple is Kuku Sabzi, an herb-filled frittata, signifying the abundance of greens in spring. Dolma, rice-stuffed grape leaves, and various sweets like Baklava and Noghl are also integral to the festivity, each weaving a tale of cultural heritage and the sweetness of a new beginning.

Nowruz Around the World

A Global Celebration While the essence of Nowruz remains consistent, regional variations add unique flavors to the celebration. In Afghanistan, Mela-e Gul-e Surkh, the festival of red flowers, marks the occasion, while in Azerbaijan, families light candles for each member on the last Tuesday night, symbolizing bright futures. The Kurdish community in parts of Turkey and Syria observe Nowruz with colorful costumes, music, and dancing, reflecting the diverse tapestry of cultures embracing this ancient festival.

The Significance of Nowruz in Modern Times

In a world often divided by cultural and geographical boundaries, Nowruz emerges as a beacon of unity and peace. It reminds us of our shared humanity, our connection to nature, and the universal values of joy, renewal, and hope. Recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and registered by the United Nations General Assembly, Nowruz transcends its ancient roots, promoting values of peace and solidarity between generations and within families, as well as reconciliation and neighborliness, thus contributing to cultural diversity and friendship among peoples and different communities.

Nowruz is not just a date on the calendar but a tapestry of traditions, stories, and customs that resonate with the essence of human existence – the perpetual cycle of life, death, and rebirth. As we embrace the spirit of Nowruz, let us remember the shared threads of humanity that bind us, the regenerative powers of nature, and the continuous cycle of renewal that promises a brighter, more hopeful future.

[/readmore]

Did this help?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating / 5. Vote count:

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.