No data
How to Celebrate Nowruz
![Alexander Reed](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.bestofapps.com%2Fimages%2Ftransforms%2Fperson%2F_100x100_crop_center-center_none%2FAlexander-Reed.jpg&w=384&q=85)
Alexander Reed
Published on October 10, 2023
As winter fades away and nature comes alive again, there's a contagious buzz in the air, signaling the start of Nowruz, the Persian New Year. Nowruz, an ancient festival that has been uniting people for more than 3,000 years, is joyfully celebrated on the vernal equinox, usually around March 20th or 21st. It's not just any new year celebration; it's a monumental occasion that symbolizes rebirth, renewal and the harmonious balance of day and night. Across the globe, families and friends of Persian heritage and many others that are interested in its rich traditions, eagerly anticipate this day to mark the beginning of a season of fresh beginnings and communal joy.
Nowruz has a rich history and tradition, tracing its origins back to the Zoroastrian faith, which makes it one of the longest-standing holidays still celebrated today. As the chilly, reflective winter season transitions into the lively and colorful springtime, it's a time for all to join in age-old customs that have been handed down through the years. Prepare yourself to discover the numerous ways to celebrate this cherished festival, as we delve into the customs of Nowruz and inspire you to welcome the new year with positivity and happiness.
![Amazon india shop app main image](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.bestofapps.com%2Fimages%2Ftransforms%2F_732x411_crop_center-center_none%2Famazon-india-shop-app-main-image_2024-08-23-154241_qmdq.jpg&w=3840&q=85)
![Amazon India Shop](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.bestofapps.com%2Fimages%2Ftransforms%2F_100x100_crop_center-center_none%2Fin.amazon.mShop.android.shopping_2024-08-23-154240_cipq.jpg&w=384&q=85)
Amazon India Shop
General apps
4.4
Amazon Shopping
As Nowruz, the lively celebration, draws near, the Amazon Shopping app becomes an essential tool for seamlessly blending tradition with the convenience of modern technology. Whether you're far away from a local bazaar or simply prefer the comfort of shopping from home, Amazon Shopping has got you covered for all your Persian New Year preparations. From the must-have ingredients for your Haft-Seen table, like samanu (sweet pudding) for abundance or senjed (dried oleaster fruit) for love, to decorative items that bring a sense of renewal to your home, the app is a treasure trove of Nowruz essentials.
But Amazon Shopping goes beyond just buying physical items. It can also enhance your Nowruz experience with literature and music. Immerse yourself in the rich history and traditions of Nowruz by exploring a variety of books or set the perfect atmosphere with traditional Persian music available on Amazon. If you're eager to try new dishes, cookbooks featuring Nowruz recipes can help you create a feast that would impress any Persian grandmother. Amazon Shopping not only helps you prepare for Nowruz in terms of decorations and food, but also allows you to delve deeper into the significance of this ancient festival, making your celebration even more meaningful.
The Rich Traditions of Nowruz Explained
Nowruz is filled with a variety of traditions that enhance its celebration, each with its own special meaning and promoting a sense of togetherness and renewal. At the core of these customs is the Haft-Seen table, a beautiful display that takes center stage during Nowruz festivities. This arrangement showcases seven specific items, all beginning with the Persian letter 'S', each representing important elements for a prosperous and joyful year ahead. These items include Sabzeh (sprouted wheat or barley, symbolizing new beginnings), Samanu (a sweet pudding symbolizing abundance), Senjed (dried fruit from the oleaster tree, symbolizing love), Seer (garlic, symbolizing health and medicine), Sib (apple, representing beauty and health), Somaq (sumac, symbolizing the colors of sunrise) and Serkeh (vinegar, symbolizing wisdom and patience). This careful arrangement not only pleases the eyes but also serves as a ritual that brings families together in the preparation and celebration of life's everlasting cycles.
Besides the Haft-Seen, Nowruz is marked by a range of customs that embody the themes of rejuvenation and togetherness. Families partake in Khaneh Tekani or 'shaking the house', by thoroughly cleaning the whole house to make room for new beginnings. This act of physical and symbolic purification is followed by Chaharshanbe Suri, a fire festival held on the last Wednesday before Nowruz, where individuals jump over fires to ward off sickness and sadness. Another beloved tradition is Sizdah Bedar, celebrated on the thirteenth day after Nowruz, where families have outdoor picnics to revel in the rebirth of nature, often tossing sprouted Sabzeh into flowing water to signify the discarding of any misfortune. These lively customs not only honor the arrival of the New Year but also reinforce familial and communal bonds, capturing the true spirit of Nowruz as a time of happiness, revival and optimism.
The Heart of Nowruz
In the heart of Nowruz celebrations, there is a beautiful tradition that goes beyond just gathering together. It's about deepening the connections between family, friends and the wider community. This tradition is not just a social obligation, but a chance to strengthen our bonds, share stories and show gratitude for the relationships that bring joy to our lives. As families come together to prepare the Haft-Seen table or enjoy a delicious feast, these rituals become a powerful way to strengthen our connections. It's a time to let go of past grievances, embrace new beginnings and truly reconnect with a sense of belonging and unity. Nowruz, with its focus on renewal and rebirth, reminds us of the importance of nurturing relationships and encourages us to appreciate the value of kinship and friendship.
Furthermore, the tradition of visiting each other's houses during Nowruz, also known as Eid Didani, highlights the importance of strengthening relationships during the festival. These visits aren't just about fulfilling social duties - they're genuine expressions of kindness and love, often involving gift-giving and warm wishes. They offer individuals an opportunity to break away from their daily routines and enjoy the company of others, embracing the happiness and optimism that Nowruz brings. The focus on coming together and exchanging experiences is crucial in building a stronger sense of community. Nowruz, through its customs, reminds us that although the beginning of a new year is something everyone experiences, it is the personal relationships and shared memories that truly capture the spirit of this festive occasion.
Conclusion
As the Nowruz celebrations unfold, blending ancient customs with modern conveniences like Amazon Shopping, we're reminded of the festival's main message: renewal, connection and the joy of shared traditions. The preparation of the Haft-Seen, the cleansing rituals of Khaneh Tekani and the communal warmth of Eid Didani are not just simple traditions. They are acts that strengthen the relationships within the community, creating a sense of belonging and togetherness. Nowruz goes beyond its historical origins and transforms into a vibrant celebration of fresh starts, love and the never-ending circle of life. It pushes us to take a moment, ponder and warmly embrace those in our lives with a renewed sense of affection and empathy. In doing so, Nowruz goes beyond being a mere time marker; it enhances our lives by forging stronger bonds, filling every moment with more meaning as we take on the new year with hope and positivity.
![Alexander Reed](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.bestofapps.com%2Fimages%2Ftransforms%2Fperson%2F_100x100_crop_center-center_none%2FAlexander-Reed.jpg&w=384&q=85)
Alexander Reed
Verified Reviewer
Alexander Reed has always been drawn to cybersecurity and data and made his living out of writing about these topics. His favorite apps are Robinhood and Otter AI.
Writer for Best of Apps since October 10, 2023