Spring and Norouz Celebration in Iran

Compiled By: Syed Ali Shahbaz
Norouz is the ancient Iranian feast which has been common since long ago in the Iranian cultural and civilization domain from India to Central Asia. This spiritual feast, in view of its cultural and traditional values, was recognized as precious international heritage by the UN in 2010 and the first day of Eid Norouz was recognized as the international day of Norouz.
Now this feast is held not only in Iran, Central Asia and Caucasia and other Middle East states, but it provides an opportunity for all world people to become more familiar with the deeply rooted culture of Norouz. This celebration with its diverse traditions ushers in hope, peace, friendship and happiness for millions of people all over the world. On the threshold of the New Year we are going to talk about Norouz traditions in Iran.
Some of Norouz traditions which spread the smell of spring and freshness everywhere have always been alive ever since their initiation. Among the common traditions on the last days of the year is house cleansing. As winter nears its final days, one can manifestly see a special vividness and exuberance among people of ages and from all walks of life. By cleaning houses, public places and streets everybody ties to welcome the spring. Actually house cleansing at the end of the year is a symbol of removing uncleanness from houses and providing a clean atmosphere for welcoming the New Year, particularly one regards the fact that Islam stresses cleanliness and Prophet Mohammad (SAWA) has considered it a sign of faith. All family members take part in house cleaning.
Among other traditions on the final days of the year is the New Year’s shopping which includes buying of clothes, nuts, fruits, cookies and even house appliances. On the last days of the year, there is a hubbub of people swarming in markets of all cities and towns. All like to wear new clothes in the New Year and offer the best staff to their guests. Eid shopping provides a market boom for both sellers and buyers.
Some 10 days or two weeks before Norouz, people plant grains such as wheat and lentil in small and big plates or on pottery jugs to put them in the Haft Sin Cloth on the start of the New Year. Moreover, spring flowers and saplings are grown in green houses. The green wheat and fresh flowers enliven houses. Cities assume a new smell and color by colorful flowers and sapling planted by municipal officials.
Helping the destitute is also among the good traditions of Iranians on the eve of the New Year. On the threshold of the New Year, unanimous efforts are made for assisting the poor across Iran. Based on their religious teachings, the Iranian people believe that solving the problems of the fellowmen especially on the final days of the year is a valuable deed and liked by God and every Muslim should do it as per his possibilities. Therefore at the end of every year, some of the governmental organizations in collaboration with people try to assist the needy to create a happy Norouz for them.
On the commencement of the New Year, Iranians all over the world gather around the Haft Sin Cloth and start the New Year with love and happiness.
Setting the Haft Sin Cloth is one of the fascinating traditions of Norouz and a symbol of freshness and happiness. It is an opportunity for gathering together at the joyous moments of the New Year.
Seven items are put on the Haft Sin table which start with the letter S and each of which has a specific meaning: They are as follows:
1- Sabzeh: Green wheat sprouts (symbol of abundance)
2- Samanu: Sweet pudding (symbol of sweetness of life)
3- Sib: Apple (symbol of beauty, health and fertility)
4- Senjed: Oleaster (symbol of love)
5- Somaq: Sumac berries (symbol of a new dawn)
6- Sir: Garlic (symbol of protection against illness and evil)
7- Serkeh: Vinegar (symbol of longevity and patience)
In addition to 7 items which start with S, Iranians put some other items like eggs symbolizing new life, mirror symbolizing sincerity and purity, water symbolizing blessing and light, red fish symbolizing life and movement, coin symbolizing prosperity and candle symbolizing light and heat.
Hyacinth and catkin comprise other items of the Haft Sin table. People also put candy and sweets on the table. But besides all these, the holy Qur’an the Divine Book of Muslims has a special status on the Haft Sin table and grants it a specific spirituality.
At the start of the New Year people recite the following supplication:
Ya Moqallab al-qoloub wa’l-absar,
Ya Modabbar al-layl wa’n-nahar
Ya Mohawwal al-howl wa’l-ahwal
Hawwil halana ila ahsan il-haal,
O Rotator of hearts and eyes.
O Regulator of the day and night,
O Transformer of state and conditions
Turn our state into the best of states.
Then they recite ayahs from the holy Qur’an. Usually after the start of the year, the elders of family give money or a gift as Eidi to the family members and they eat sweets and congratulate the Eid to each other. It is good to know that some of the Iranian families spend the moment of turning of the New Year at the holy shrines and the Imamzadehs or the descendents of the Prophet Mohammad (SAWA) and also the graveyards to benefit from the spiritual climate. Being in such sites at the auspicious moments of the New Year along with prayer and supplications enlightens people’s hearts. Therefore every year the pilgrimage sites especially the holy shrine of Imam Reza (AS) in holy Mashhad, the holy shrine of Hazrat Masumeh (Peace upon her) in Qom, the holy shrine of Shah Cheragh (Peace upon him) in Shiraz and other mausoleums are full of the faithful.
After the start of the New Year, the custom of visiting relatives and friends starts and continues till 13th of Farvardin. Younger ones consider their duty to visit the elder ones. Therefore children usually start visiting grandpas and grandmas and their parents. In the beginning days of the New Year visits are exchanged among friends and relatives which are accompanied with giving presents and eating fruits, nuts and cookies. If somebody has just lost a member, relatives and friends go to the bereaved family and while reciting surah Fateha and praying, ask forgiveness for the deceased one. Some persons visit hospitals and orphanages to share their happiness with them.