This blog is written by our staff member, Afsaneh Nasiri
What is Nowruz?
Nowruz ( نوروز ), also known as the Persian New Year, is an ancient festival that marks the beginning of spring and is celebrated on the vernal equinox, usually on March 20 or 21. Rooted in Zoroastrian traditions, Nowruz has been observed for over 3,000 years in Iran, Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Middle East, and parts of South Asia.
Nowruz, meaning "New Day" in Persian, symbolizes renewal, rebirth, and the triumph of light over darkness. It has its roots in Zoroastrianism, an ancient Persian religion, and was later embraced by diverse cultures and societies across the region.
How do you Celebrate Nowruz?
The celebrations typically last for about two weeks and include various rituals and traditions:
- House Cleaning (Khaneh Tekani) – Families clean their homes to welcome the new year with freshness and positivity.
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Haft-Seen Table – A key tradition is setting up a "Haft-Seen" table, which includes seven symbolic items, each beginning with the Persian letter "S":
- Sabzeh (sprouted wheat or lentils) – Growth and renewal
- Samanu (sweet wheat pudding) – Strength and power
- Senjed (dried oleaster fruit) – Love and wisdom
- Seer (garlic) – Health and protection
- Seeb (apple) – Beauty and fertility
- Somaq (sumac) – The sunrise and patience
- Serkeh (vinegar) – Aging and wisdom
- Additional items like a mirror, candles, decorated eggs, coins, and a book of poetry or prayers are also often included.
- Jumping Over Fire (Chaharshanbe Suri) – On the eve of the last Wednesday before Nowruz, people jump over bonfires, chanting to cleanse themselves of negativity and welcome good fortune.
- Visiting Friends and Family – People visit their elders and loved ones, exchanging well-wishes and gifts.
- Nowruz Day and Festivities – On the day of Nowruz, families gather for a festive meal, often including dishes like sabzi polo ba mahi (herb rice with fish).
- Sizdah Bedar – On the 13th day of Nowruz, people go outdoors for a picnic to bid farewell to the holiday and throw their sabzeh into running water, symbolizing the release of past negativity.
Nowruz is celebrated in many countries, including Iran, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, and parts of the Balkans. The United Nations recognized Nowruz as an international holiday in 2010. Nowruz starts at the precise moment that winter ends and spring begins on March 20, 2025, at 5:24 p.m. eastern time.
Nowruz at San Jose Public Library
San Jose Public library has celebrated Nowruz in the past few years. Here are some pictures:
Beshkan Dance Academy at San Jose Public Library
Bay Area Persian Music performing at the West Valley Branch
Farima Berenji Performing at the West Valley Branch
Haft-Seen table at the West Valley Branch
To help celebrate Nowruz, SJPL is offering Cultural events and craft programs from March 8th through March 20th.
Read more about Nowruz
Happy Nowruz
"Nowruz - the Persian New Year - is one of the world's great festivals, a full month of activities celebrating the earth, the arrival of spring, and the rebirth of nature. Most of all, it is a festival for families. Children and adults alike can share in preparing special meals, decorating the house, and performing the many ceremonies that welcome the New Year. This book is a guide to customs thousands of years old yet as vital as ever - enjoyable for families no matter where they live or what their beliefs. Happy Nowruz offers twenty-five fun, easy, and innovative Nowruz recipes, with lots of photos to show you what to do." -- from Happy Nowruz
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