By: Amna Choudry

With the arrival of spring, millions worldwide celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year, a tradition rich in history, symbolism, and cultural significance. We had the pleasure of speaking with Sanam Toossi, a member of JLW, to learn more about how she and her family honor this vibrant holiday.

The History and Significance of Nowruz

Nowruz, which means “New Day” in Persian, has been celebrated for over 3,000 years. Rooted in Zoroastrian traditions, it marks the vernal equinox, symbolizing renewal and rebirth. The exact timing varies each year based on the equinox, and for those on the East Coast, this year’s Nowruz falls at 5:01 AM.

A significant precursor to Nowruz is Chaharshanbe Suri, the Festival of Fire, observed on the Tuesday evening before Nowruz. Participants jump over fire while reciting, “Take away my sickness and give me your health,” symbolizing purification and a fresh start for the new year.

Family Traditions and Rituals

Sanam shared that her family follows many traditional customs, including a thorough spring cleaning, known as Khaneh Tekani, to clear out the old and welcome the new. A major part of the celebration involves gathering with family, whether in person or via virtual calls, to exchange good wishes and celebrate together. Given the Persian diaspora, FaceTiming loved ones around the world has become a cherished tradition in many households.

Another key tradition is the Haft-Seen table, which displays seven symbolic items starting with the letter “S” in Farsi. Some of these include:

• Sabzeh (Sprouted Wheat or Lentils): Symbolizes rebirth.
• Seer (Garlic): Represents health.
• Seeb (Apple): Signifies beauty.
• Senjed (Dried Oleaster Fruit): Symbolizes love.
• Samanu (Sweet Pudding): Represents strength and prosperity.
• Serkeh (Vinegar): Stands for patience and wisdom.
• Sumac: Symbolizes the sunrise and the victory of light over darkness.

Additionally, mirrors are placed on the table to represent self-reflection, candles for light and hope, and often a book of poetry, such as those by the famous Persian poet Hafiz.

Sanam fondly recalled, “As a child, I loved setting up the Haft-Seen table with my family. I didn’t always understand the significance of each item, but I knew it was special. Now, as an adult, I appreciate it even more.”

Nowruz Festivities and Community Celebrations

Nowruz celebrations span 13 days, culminating in Sizdah Bedar, when families take their Sabzeh outdoors and release it into running water, symbolizing the letting go of the past year. Parks become filled with picnics, dancing, and socializing to mark the end of the New Year festivities.

Another highlight of Nowruz celebrations is the food. Traditional dishes include:

• Sabzi Polo Mahi (Herb Rice with Fish): Represents life and renewal.
• Kuku Sabzi (Herb and Egg Frittata): A dish symbolizing rebirth and abundance.
• A variety of nuts, dried fruits, and sweets to ensure a “sweet” start to the new year.

Sanam also noted that in her community, Nowruz celebrations have evolved over time. While some traditions remain unchanged, adaptations have been made to accommodate modern lifestyles, such as adjusting picnic days for Sizdah Bedar based on work schedules.

She added, “We’ve kept the heart of the traditions alive, but we’ve also made adjustments to make them work for our busy lives. It’s nice to have that balance of tradition and flexibility.”

Spreading the Joy of Nowruz

For over ten years, Sanam has hosted annual Nowruz gatherings, welcoming friends and family to experience Persian culture firsthand. One of the most anticipated activities at her celebrations is jumping over fire, a tradition that her guests eagerly participate in each year. “People joke that they’ll start stretching in advance to prepare,” she shared with a laugh.

Another cherished custom is wearing new clothes for the occasion, similar to how many people dress up for Easter. While traditional attire is not required, the idea is to start the new year in fresh garments, symbolizing renewal.

Sanam reflected, “There’s something so refreshing about putting on new clothes and feeling like you’re stepping into the new year with a fresh start.”

A Universal Celebration of Renewal and Hope

Despite its ancient roots, Nowruz remains a thriving celebration, connecting people across generations and borders. From bonfires to poetry readings, from symbolic feasts to heartfelt reunions, the holiday embodies the spirit of renewal and the joy of community.

Sanam beautifully summed up the significance of Nowruz: “It’s a really fun holiday, filled with symbolism and reflection. It’s nice to experience two New Years—the traditional one and this one.”

Through events like the annual Nowruz Bazaar at Catholic University and an increasing number of Persian markets and restaurants, the holiday continues to gain recognition and accessibility in the U.S. “It’s great to see more awareness and resources for celebrating Nowruz,” Sanam said. “It’s a time of joy, family, and new beginnings.”

For those unfamiliar with Nowruz, it’s a wonderful opportunity to learn about and partake in a beautiful tradition that celebrates renewal, connection, and hope for the year ahead.