In brief
As the spring equinox occurs, people from various backgrounds—including those from the Balkans, Caucasus, and Central Asia—celebrate Nowruz, showcasing a rich tapestry of traditions that emphasize renewal and community bonding. The celebrations reflect joy, with greetings such as "Nowruzetan pirooz," a wish for a victorious year.
While anticipation for the event builds, many people begin preparing for Nowruz by engaging in spring cleaning and shopping for traditional necessities. Alireza Hedayati from the Iranian American Society of New York describes this preparatory phase as igniting excitement among community members. Nowruz not only represents the coming of a new year but also serves as a reminder of cultural heritage and the essence of community. As it unfolds, the festival features lively dances and events across the globe, highlighting the event's enduring legacy.In summary, Nowruz encapsulates the spirit of rebirth celebrated across nations, bridging generations through shared values and collective joy. Nowruz, the Persian New Year, Celebrates Renewal and RebirthMore than 300 million people in Iran and beyond celebrate the ancient holiday. It’s tied to the spring equinox and has roots in the Persian Empire. Here’s what to know.Nowruz, the Persian New Year, began on Thursday, kicking off a celebration of life, renewal, and rebirth that people in Iran and beyond have been observing for many generations. More than 300 million people worldwide celebrate Nowruz, which means “new day” in Persian. Many of them greet one another by saying “Nowruzetan pirooz” or “Wishing you a victorious Nowruz!” The holiday, which is tied to the spring equinox, traces its roots to the Persian Empire. People in the Balkans, the Black Sea basin, the Caucasus, Central Asia, and the Middle East have celebrated it for more than 3,000 years.There’s a buildup to Nowruz, said Alireza Hedayati, president of the Iranian American Society of New York, a nonprofit organization based on Long Island. Things start to heat up “as soon as it starts to warm up a little bit in late February and the beginning of March,” Mr. Hedayati said. “Everyone just gets that little bit of an excitement and the urge to do things.”Here’s what to know about one of the world’s oldest holidays: In the lead-up to the new year, Nowruz celebrants thoroughly clean their homes. Mr. Hedayati likened it to spring cleaning.
