Let me take this opportunity to regale you with tales of Nowruz celebration, the Persian new year, and the delectable treats accompanying it. You’ll learn all about the Persian New Year and its traditions in this post.
What is Nowruz celebration?
The Persian name for “New Day” is Nowruz (pronounced No-Rooz). Celebrations begin on the first day of spring to mark the beginning of the new year. It might be referred to as a classic spring event. On the first day of spring, known as Nowruz, many people celebrate the beginning of the new year. Norooz marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring.
In the Northern Hemisphere, the vernal equinox is marked by the celebration of Nowruz, which commemorates the beginning of spring. On March 21st, or the preceding or following day, people celebrate it depending on where you reside.
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Where do people celebrate Nowruz?
Many countries in Central Asia, Western Asia, the Black Sea region, and the Balkans commemorate Nowruz with public festivities. This holiday is celebrated in countries such as Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan, and each has its own unique celebrations and dishes.
How Iranians Celebrate Nowruz?
Persian New Year celebration preparations begin a few weeks before March 21st when the festivities begin. Khaneh-Tekani, which means “Shaking the home,” is the first step in the spring-cleaning process. As a prelude to the coming of the spring season, this is a great time for everyone to deep clean their homes. It involves de-cluttering, cleaning the carpets, and painting the walls. After this thorough cleaning, everything will feel fresh and ready for a new beginning.
Family members and children should be outfitted in new attire as part of their preparedness. Children eagerly anticipate the arrival of Nowruz celebration because it means they’ll be able to show off their new apparel during Eid-Didani, the ritual of visiting family and friends for the new year.
In the last days leading up to Nowruz celebration, Iranians stock up on nuts (Ajil) and sweets (Shirini) to give as gifts to their guests. There are many types of nuts in ajil: almonds, pistachios, hazelnuts, walnuts, raisins, roasted chickpeas, peanuts, and cashews. It is customary for Iranians to buy their New Year’s ajil from the same Ajil shop year after year.
Do Iranians jump over fire?
Yes! Another important holiday custom is participating in this weird tradition.
Ahead of spring, children pound pots and knock on doors, collecting money or sweets, in the streets. In a way, it’s like Halloween!
“Give me your pretty red color and take back my ill pallor!” is chanted by participants on Chaharshanbe Soori (or “Red Wednesday,” as it is often known) on the last Wednesday of the year. According to the Iran Chamber Society, fire is a sign of light and goodness, and families light it to wish each other good fortune in the next year.
Zoroastrianism, the ancient religion of fire, is also a source of Nowruz’s roots. According to the Heritage Institute, light and fire were “vital ingredients for maintaining life.”
HAFTSEEN – What is it?
As a part of the Nowruz celebration, Iranians place the Haftseen, or the Seven S’s, in their homes. Each of these seven items represents spring and the beginning of a new year. For Haftseen, some of the most popular goods include:
- Sabzeh: Sprouting wheatgrass. Symbolizes rebirth and new growth.
- Serkeh (Vinegar): Symbol of wisdom and aging.
- Senjed (dried fruits): A symbol of romantic love.
- Samanoo: Sweet wheat pudding. Represents affluence.
- Seeb: the apple, Symbol of good health and reproduction.
- Sumac (Somagh): a representation of the color red or the rising sun.
- Seer (Garlic): Symbolizes medicine
The Delicious Nowruz Celebration Foods
As tempting as jumping on fires and pounding pots may sound, nothing compares to the Iranian New Year’s feast. To celebrate the end of the previous year, the Persians indulge in rich stews, spicy dishes, and an array of sweet sweets and cakes. Persian cuisine is already well-known for its grilled meats and fluffy rice range.
The use of herbs is essential. A variety of foods are garnished with fresh mint, basil, tarragon, and other green herbs.
Sabzi Polo Mahi is the traditional Nowruz dish consisting of fried fish over rice flavored with fresh herbs. Cooked beef and rice are wrapped in grape leaves in Dolmeh Barg. Fesenjan, one of Iran’s most popular stews, is made with pomegranate and walnut sauce, generally chicken or duck.
Why is spring the best time to visit Iran?
The high season for tourism to Iran begins in March and lasts through the end of May, making spring an ideal time to visit Iran. Why? The temperature and weather in Iran are good throughout these months because they are neither too hot nor chilly. Because rates will be higher and the number of visitors will be greater, it is advised that you reserve your Iranian accommodation well in advance of your trip. Nowruz and Golab Giri rituals are best experienced during this time of year, when Iran’s legendary trips are at their peak.
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Iran’s March and April weather
AVG DAILY 23 °C
AVG NIGHTLY 12 °C
AVG RAINFALL 20 mm
This time of year sees a gradual increase in temperature, making it more pleasant for outdoor activities.
A mild breeze blows off the ocean in March, but temperatures rise somewhat in the south and drop slightly in the mountains. Even in the mountains, temperatures rarely fall below 10 degrees Celsius.
The weather is even more pleasant in April than it is during the rest of the year. It’s a great time to go hiking in the north because it’s colder and drier than the rest of the country. Travel to arid, scorching locations like Persepolis and Yazd during this time of year is also highly recommended.
Is late March to early June a good time to visit for foreign visitors?
Nowruz, the Persian New Year, begins on March 21st and lasts for two weeks. People are gearing up for the arrival of spring and, of course, for the holidays that follow. Before Nowrouz, Iranians shook their houses. Well, that’s what the word “spring-cleaning” refers to in the context of substantial house cleaning or remodeling. People begin to buy, particularly for new year’s attire, as the streets become busier. The weather is becoming better and better around the country, and many people are beginning to think about their next vacation. Before and during Nowruz, all transportation services are three times as busy. All prices go up dramatically, and tourist spots become extremely crowded. This season requires a lot of planning ahead of time. Unless you plan to participate in the festivities, it’s best not to travel to Iran during Nowruz because of the high prices and crowds of tourists.
After Nowruz, domestic travel is drastically reduced. While the weather is expected to warm up in the south of Iran, the rest of the country will continue to enjoy mild conditions for the next two months. Prices will fall much farther in early June than they did at the beginning of the year. Tourist attractions are also sparsely populated.
For Foreign visitors, late March through early June is the greatest time to visit Iran.
Due to the Nowruz celebration, we at CarefulTrip have brought you special packages with great discounts that you cannot refuse. If you buy one of our packages, you can also enjoy our sightseeing service in Tehran for free!
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