Your Guide to Nowruz Celebration San Diego
All across the globe, people of Iranian descent have begun the ancient celebration of Nowruz. Meant to signify the Persian New Year, this holiday is one of the oldest celebrations in human history.
While you may have heard greetings of Nowruz Mubarak being exchanged around the city, you might also wonder what Nowruz is and how to get involved. In this helpful guide, we will break down what Nowruz is, how it’s traditionally celebrated, and where you can find a Nowruz celebration San Diego to take part.
What is Nowruz?
Like many ancient cultures, Iranian chronology is based on a different calendar. The Iranian Calendar. Nowruz is the start of the new year based on the Iranian Calendar and always coincides with the spring equinox, or the first day of spring.
Over 3000 years ago, the word Nowruz was created out of two Persian words. Now, meaning new, and ruz, meaning day, to make Nowruz or New Day. While rooted in Persian tradition, Nowruz is celebrated by people of all different faiths and backgrounds across the globe.
There are many ways to celebrate this two-week-long holiday around San Diego, and we will let you know about some of the upcoming events planned. First, let’s talk about some of the beautiful traditions associated with this holiday and how the Persian community incorporates them into their Nowruz observations.
Traditions
On the first day of Nowruz, it is typical to honor life, happiness, and health through a tradition known as Haftseen. From the words Haft meaning seven items, and seen meaning starting with the letter S, seven things are placed on an elaborately decorated table representing wishes for the coming year. These items are:
Seeb – An apple that represents beauty
Sabzeh – Sprouts which represent rebirth and growth
Senjed – Lotus tree fruit representative of love
Samanroo – Wheat germ that represents power and strength
Serkeh – Vinegar to symbolize patience
Somagh – Sumac to represent the sunrise
Seer – Garlic to symbolize good health
Several other things are added to the table, like decorated eggs representing fertility, flowers as a symbol of beauty, and a mirror as a reminder of self-reflection. Additionally, the day is celebrated with family by exchanging gifts, visiting loved ones, and a traditional meal of white fish with herbs and rice.
How to Celebrate
There are always several ways to participate in the Nowruz celebration San Diego. Given that it runs for two whole weeks, there are plenty of opportunities to wish friends and family members in the Persian community a Happy Nowruz or Nowruz Mubarak!
Every year the celebration of Nowruz wraps up with Sizdah Bedar. This is a day to honor nature by spending the day outside with family. Maybe this will look like a picnic in a local park with your family and friends.
