You knock using the beautiful old door handle. An uncle, aunt, or cousin greets you at the door and you hear the familiar footsteps of grandpa approaching. You hug, kiss, and greet them warmly as you enter the wide open yard with a small pool in the middle. You can smell the fragrance of new blossoms in the garden beyond strangely intermingled with that of the appetizing rice and stew simmering on the stove. You hear boisterous children playing the entirety of the soccer world cup right there in the yard. You enter the house and glance over and see grandma sitting in her familiar place besides the samovar pouring tea for everyone. Is this a scene from the past, the present, or something itched away happily in your memories?

All are gathered together at the grandparents house to greet the Iranian new year or Now-ruz (new day). Now-ruz marks the arrival of the vernal or spring equinox in the northern hemisphere. In 2021 spring arrives March 20^th at 2:37:28 AM U.S. Pacific time. This is the moment when the sun crosses the celestial equator and equalizes the lengths of night and day. This year it also marks the year 1400 and the beginning of a new century in the Iranian calendar. Now-ruz has been celebrated for over 3000 years. It is observed not only in Iran but also in Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Afghanistan, by the Kurds in Iraq, Syria, and Turkey, other central Asian countries and parts of India, China and beyond. It has roots in the ancient Iranian monotheistic religion of Zoroastrianism but it is a secular holiday for most.

Persian mythology speaks of a king Jamshid who saved his people from famine and a dark winter destined to kill all creatures on earth. He defeated the demons and made them raise him up high to the heavens while sitting on his throne. There he sat shining brightly like a sun and seeing this people gathered in jubilation and declared this a new day (Now-ruz) and lived in peace and harmony with plentiful harvest.

Throughout Iranian history Now-ruz has always been celebrated in various ways. During the Achaemenid dynasty (550-330 BCE) it is said that the famous ancient Persepolis complex or at least the palace of Apadana was built for the specific purpose of celebrating a feast related to Now-ruz. During this people from various lands under the command of Achaemenids would bring gifts to present to the king. New-ruz brings a sense of hope and renewal and creates a cultural tie that has brought all societal classes together. This has persisted to the present day.

From ancient bazaars to modern malls and house interiors a special energy and force characterizes the days preceding Now-ruz. People are busy spring cleaning their homes, buying presents, new clothes, flowers, pastries, and nuts. Amo (uncle) Nowruz (Santa Claus’ counter-part) arrives with his silver hair and long beard carrying presents for children. He is accompanied by cheerful Haji Firuz, a soot covered character dancing, singing, and playing his tambourine.

It is almost time for the arrival of the new year and everyone gathers around the “haft-seen.”  The haft-seen is a symbolic arrangement of 7 items whose names start with the Persian letter S.  These may include the following items:

• Sabzeh- Wheat or lentil sprouts symbolizing rejuvenation and rebirth
• Samanu- A sweet pudding made from wheat germ symbolizing affluence
• Senjed- The dried fruit of the oleaster tree symbolizing love
• Somaq- Sumac berries symbolizing the color of the sunrise
• Seer- Garlic symbolizing medicine and health
• Serkeh- Vinegar symbolizing patience, age, and wisdom
• Sonbol- Hyacinth flower symbolizing the coming of spring
• Sekkeh- Coins symbolizing prosperity and wealth

Haft-seen also contains many important “none-S” items such as:

• A book of wisdom- such as famous classic works of Persian literature like Ferdosi’s Shahnameh or Divan Hafez or it can be religious like Islam’s Quran or Zoroastrianism’s Avesta
• A mirror- symbolizing self-reflection and introspection
• Candles- symbolizing enlightenment and happiness
• Goldfish- symbolizing life
• Colored eggs- symbolizing fertility

A prayer is recited, the new year is announced, and beautiful jubilant music is played. A sea of love flows as congratulations are made, hugs, kisses, and gifts are exchanged (mostly in the form of crisp new money bills handed out with a personal note from the elderly to the young). In the following days people visit and pay their respects to their elderly relatives and friends and they in turn return this visit a few days later. There are 5 official days of holiday but schools are out for 13 days. On the 13^th day people escape to nature and have fun together picnicking and playing games. Tradition dictates that on this day (13-bedar) people throw away their Sabzeh which has gathered all the ill fate the family is to experience during the coming year. Singles also tie a knot of grass and make a wish to find their future partners. Thus the theme of renewal and hope for a new life and beginning continues. People dance and dream in unison and you feel the warmth as your grandma smiles.