Nowruz Festival

Nowruz: Celebrating Renewal of Nature and the Iranian New Year

Nowruz, the ancient Persian New Year, is celebrated with the arrival of spring and the start of the solar calendar year. This magnificent festival, with a history spanning over 3,000 years, symbolizes renewal, the revival of nature, and harmony between humans and their environment. Nowruz is cherished not only by Iranians but also by many other nations, spreading a message of peace, unity, and hope.

When Is Nowruz Celebrated?

Nowruz takes place on the first day of Farvardin, the Iranian calendar month, coinciding with the spring equinox. This natural phenomenon, where day and night are of equal length, signifies balance and harmony in nature.

The History of Nowruz

The roots of Nowruz trace back to ancient Persia and Zoroastrian traditions. Legends attribute its foundation to Jamshid, a mythical king of Iran. Throughout history, from the Achaemenid Empire to the Sassanid dynasty and even after the advent of Islam, Nowruz has maintained its special status in Iranian culture.

Distinctive Features of Nowruz

Nowruz is celebrated with a variety of customs and traditions, each carrying profound cultural and social significance. Some of the most notable features include:

1. House Cleaning (Khaneh Takani): Iranians thoroughly clean and organize their homes in preparation for the new year.
2. Haft-Seen Table: A symbolic arrangement of seven items beginning with the Persian letter "S" that represent life, health, prosperity, and nature.
3. Visiting Family and Friends: During Nowruz, people visit loved ones to exchange good wishes for the coming year.
4. Sizdah Bedar: On the 13th day of Farvardin, Iranians spend the day outdoors, symbolically discarding negativity and making wishes for a prosperous year.

Nowruz’s Global Presence

Nowruz extends beyond Iran and is celebrated in countries such as Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and parts of Kurdistan, as well as regions of India and Pakistan. In 2010, UNESCO recognized Nowruz as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and the United Nations designated March 21 as the International Day of Nowruz.

Symbols and items of "Haft Seen"  table of Nowruz

1. Vineger (Serkeh): symbolizing age and patience.
2. Sprouts (Sabzeh): Representing growth and greenery.
3. Sumak (Somagh): Symbolizing the sunrise and new beginnings
4. Dried Fruit of Oleaster (Senjed): Representing love and wisdom.
5. Wheat Pudding (Samanu): Symbolizing strength and patience.
6. Garlic (Seer): Representing health and protection.
7. Apple (Seeb): Symbolizing beauty and health.

Additional items:

• Goldfish: A symbol of life and vitality.
• Coins (Sekkeh): Symbolizing wealth and prosperity.
• Mirror (Ayeneh) Symbolizes clarity, honesty, and self-reflection.
• Hyacinth (Sonbol) symbolizes freshness, vitality, and renewal of life.
• Candles (Sham) Symbolize light, warmth, life, and hope for a bright future. The candles represent the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.

  The presence of candles on the Haft-Sin table serves as a reminder of the illumination of hearts and minds at the start of the new year, wishing for brightness and happiness in the lives of family members. Additionally, the candles symbolize love and positive energy, adding warmth and charm to the table with their glow.

• Eggs: (Tokhm-e Morgh) symbolize fertility, rebirth, and the cycle of life. They represent the renewal of life and the continuation of generations. 

  In some traditions, the decorated eggs on the table also signify beauty, diversity, and hope for a bright future. Additionally, these eggs serve as a symbol of life's continuity and the connection between generations within families and communities.

• The book of Hafez or the Shahnameh: Symbolizes culture, wisdom, and a deep connection to Persian literature and identity.

  The Divan of Hafez represents mysticism, love, and hope, reminding Iranians that spiritual and inspirational guidance can be found in all circumstances. Many families open Hafez's book for a divination (Fal-e Hafez) at the moment of the new year, symbolizing hope and seeking guidance for the year ahead.

  Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh symbolizes national pride, mythology, epic stories, and the preservation of Iran’s language and history. This book holds a special place among Iranians, serving as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding cultural values and maintaining the connection of Iranian generations to their ancient heritage and glorious past.

Why Does the Iranian-Canadian Association Celebrate Nowruz?

The Iranian-Canadian Association, as a cultural and social institution, organizes Nowruz celebrations with the following objectives:

1. Preserving and Promoting Iranian Cultural Heritage: Nowruz serves as an opportunity to acquaint younger generations with Iran's rich culture and values.
2. Fostering Unity Within the Iranian-Canadian Community: This festival provides a platform for gathering and strengthening social bonds.
3. Raising Awareness in the Canadian Community: By celebrating Nowruz, the association introduces Iranian culture to broader audiences and highlights its profound values.
4. Promoting Peace and Friendship: The message of Nowruz—peace, solidarity, and hope—resonates across communities and fosters positive human connections.

An Invitation to Participate

The Iranian-Canadian Association warmly invites everyone to join its Nowruz celebrations. This event is an opportunity to honor cultural identity, build intergenerational connections, and strengthen social cohesion. Nowruz represents the timeless bond between humanity and nature, embodying a spirit of renewal and vitality cherished by Iranians and many other nations alike.

Wishing you a year filled with joy, peace, and success!