Persian New Year

Persian New Year History

The Persian New Year, or Nowruz, marks the advent of the New Year on the Persian calendar and the arrival of spring. This observance is part of Persian and Iranian heritage and spans more that 3000 years. It begins with the 'haft-seen' table, where seven items starting with the Persian letter 'S' are displayed, each symbolising a positive aspect such as love, rebirth, prosperity, and health.

The roots of Nowruz date back to the ancient Persian Empire, where it was traditionally celebrated by diverse communities. This celebration gradually shaped into an important cultural festival and was registered on the UNESCO List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009. For Australians of Persian descent, or those who have lived in Iran, Nowruz holds a special significance. It offers an opportunity to celebrate their rich cultural heritage and strengthen their connections with their ancestral homeland.

In Australia, Nowruz is observed by the Persian community with great enthusiasm. Members of the community host get-togethers, where traditional Persian New Year delicacies are served, and cultural performances are held. Children often receive small gifts or 'eidi'. It provides a significant moment to teach the younger generations about their cultural roots. It's a time of year when a sense of renewal is in the air, mirroring the rebirth and fresh start signified by Nowruz in the ancient Persian tradition. Nowruz in Australia aligns with the vernal equinox, which usually falls around March 21.

Facts about Persian New Year

• The oldest records of Nowruz go back to 247 B.C during the Arsacid/Parthian times. Today it is celebrated in Afghanistan, Georgia, Albania, Iran, Iraq, India, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and Kyrgyzstan.
• Khane taken, which means house-cleaning, is an Iranian custom in preparation for the new year. Families will begin cleaning their homes weeks ahead of the new year.
• On Nowruz, focus is placed on seven items. These items all start with the Persian letter س (sin) or S. They are placed on the haft-seen table as a tradition of Zoroastrianism. They are:
  1) Seeb (apples) - symbols of health and beauty
  2) Senjed (dried oleaster berries) - wisdom and rebirth
  3) Samanu (wheat pudding) - strength and justice
  4) Somaq (sumac) - patience
  5) Serkeh (vinegar) - age
  6) seer (garlic) - cleanses body and environment
  7) Sabzeh (wheat, barley, lentils) - rejuvenation and new life
• Persian New Year celebrations in Australia often mirror those in Iran and the Persian diaspora. This includes the setting of a "Haft Seen" table, which holds seven items beginning with S in Persian, each symbolizing a different hope for the new year.
• Notably, Australia's multicultural public broadcaster, SBS, provides special programming in Farsi for Nowruz, covering the history, traditions and modern celebrations of Persian New Year in Australia.

In the News and Trending in Australia for Persian New Year

Top things to do in Australia for Persian New Year's Day

• Enjoy traditional foods like sumalak. Sumalak is a thick pudding made from wheatgrass. It is typically prepared for 24 hours ahead of time. Women sing folk songs while they prepare huge pots of the pudding.
• Some other traditional dishes you can try include sabzi poli mahi, which is rice and herbs served with fish, and ash reshteh, which is a thick soup with noodles and beans.
• Partake in the custom of Chaharshanbeh Soori, the symbolic burning of all that was negative from the previous year. It is custom to jump over bonfires in the streets while shouting Give me your red color, take my yellow color. This symbolizes how the fire will take away the yellow of sickness and give back the red of health and warmth.
• Attend the Persian New Year Festival, Sidney: Sydney hosts a remarkable Persian New Year festival with a wide variety of Persian food, dancing, and music. Persian arts and crafts are also displayed. It attracts people from around the globe.
• Join in on the Annual Charity Run/Walk for Norouz: This event is organized by several Iranian community groups in major cities across Australia during the Persian New Year period. The event aims to promote health and wellbeing while celebrating the New Year.