Introduction to Nowruz
Nowruz is a blend word merging two Farsi words. The word “now” which means new and the word “ruz” which means day are combined to form “Nowruz” to represent the “New Day.” Nowruz is a word carrying the connotation of the time for celebrations among Persian, particularly Iranian, and Central Asia communities. As the spring sets in on the vernal equinox on March 20 or 21, Nowruz begins.
The celebrations of Nowruz signal the coming of spring, during which the earth springs into life and brightness. Rituals and activities performed to celebrate Nowruz in Persia and Central Asia have several similarities with some other spring festivals such as Sham al-Nasim, in Egypt and Eastern.
Persian Cultural Roots
Although Nowruz may be celebrated by many people around the world, it has come from the land once known as Persia (the Middle East and Central Asia). Nowruz is now a very popular festival among various ethnic communities that have roots in Persian cultural areas. However, for the Iranian community, Nowruz is very important as it is their spiritual New Year.
Rituals and Traditions
For the families, Nowruz is the time for coming together and celebrating the arrival of New Year and giving the old one their farewell. In Nowruz, schools are off for 13 days and most adults suspend their work or business activities. During Nowruz
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The last day of Nowruz holiday is called Sizdah Bedar. Literally, it means “getting rid of the 13.” On this day, families make a picnic and spend a day in the nature for example, parks, etc. They sing, merrymake, and enjoy food with other families and friends while are on the picnic. They bring their Sabzeh (new sprouts) with them and throw it in the river or on the ground. It represents the return of everything including plants to the nature. Sizdah Bedar signals the end of Nowruz festivals. The normal life starts the next day and people return to their schools or