Knowledge Base
Nowruz Wiki
Dive deeper into the mythology, history, and culinary traditions of the Persian New Year through our comprehensive encyclopedia.
Culture
Nowruz Greetings and Phrases
Because Nowruz is celebrated across so many different countries, languages, and dialects, there are dozens of ways to wish someone a happy new year.
Nowruz in Poetry
Persian culture is inextricably linked to its poetry, and Nowruz—as the ultimate symbol of spring, rebirth, and the passing of time—has been a central theme for...
Nowruz
Nowruz is a festival rooted in the celebration of spring, rebirth, and the renewal of nature. While its origins lie in ancient Iranian and Zoroastrian tradition...
Zoroastrianism and Nowruz
While Nowruz is largely celebrated today as a secular, cultural holiday, its historical roots are deeply embedded in Zoroastrianism, the ancient pre-Islamic rel...
Folklore
Amoo Nowruz
Much like Santa Claus in Western traditions, Amoo Nowruz is depicted as a kind, elderly man who brings joy, gifts, and the promise of a new season to the people...
Haji Firooz
In the weeks leading up to Nowruz, performers dressed as Haji Firooz appear in public squares, streets, and bazaars across Iran.
King Jamshid
His story is most famously chronicled in the Shahnameh (The Book of Kings), the national epic of Greater Iran written by the poet Ferdowsi in the 10th century C...
Naneh Sarma
In traditional stories told to children, elements of winter weather are explained through her actions: When it snows, it is said that Naneh Sarma is shaking ou...
Food
Ash-e Reshteh
In Iranian folklore, noodles symbolize the intertwined, complex paths of life. It is believed that by eating the noodles, you are metaphorically taking hold of ...
Kuku Sabzi
The typical herb mixture is very similar to Sabzi Polo: Parsley Cilantro Dill Chives or Scallions
Sabzi Polo Ba Mahi
The fish is typically marinated in saffron, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, then pan-fried until the skin is crispy, though it can also be baked or smoked (Mahi ...
Traditional Nowruz Pastries
During the Nowruz season, visiting friends, family, and neighbors—a tradition known as Did-o-Bazdid—is a daily occurrence. Every household must be prepared to h...
Global
Nowruz in Afghanistan
Nowruz is widely celebrated across Afghanistan as a festival of spring, agriculture, and renewal. While it shares many historical roots with Iranian Nowruz, Afg...
Nowruz in Central Asia and Azerbaijan
Nowruz (often spelled Navruz, Novruz, or Nauryz in these regions) is a major public holiday and a deeply cherished cultural event across Central Asia (Tajikista...
Newroz in Kurdistan
In Kurdish culture, the holiday is pronounced Newroz (نەورۆز) and holds profound cultural, historical, and political significance. For Kurds living across Iran,...
Traditions
Chaharshanbe Suri
As they leap over the fire, they chant the traditional phrase: > "Zardi-ye man az toh, sorkhi-ye toh az man."
Eidi (New Year's Gift)
In the weeks leading up to Nowruz, banks across Iran and other celebrating countries are flooded with people exchanging their old bills for stacks of brand-new,...
Haft-Sin
The Haft-Sin (Persian: هفتسین, meaning "Seven S's") is a traditional table setting assembled during the Nowruz holiday. It is the visual and symbolic centerpie...
Sizdah Bedar
The name translates roughly to "getting rid of the thirteenth" or "thirteenth outdoors." In Persian culture, as in many others, the number 13 is traditionally c...
Tahvil-e Saal
Unlike many other calendars (like the Gregorian calendar) where the new year begins at the stroke of midnight, the Iranian New Year begins at the precise moment...