Happy Iranian New Year

1:27 pm EST today marks the vernal equinox, or the first day of spring. The snow is melting, flowers are blooming, and birds are chirping. Or so I'm told - here in Waterloo, the temperature is still well below freezing. But the sun is shining a little brighter than it used to, and the days are getting a little bit longer each day.

Today is also the first day of the Iranian new year, which always starts on the first day of spring. This calendar is used in Iran and Afghanistan, where it is now year 1385.

On this day in Iran, the dining table is decorated with the haft seen (Seven S's), which get their name from the fact that their names all begin with the letter S. Among them are apple, vinegar, garlic, wheat sprouts, and sumach. Other decorations include colourful eggs, a mirror, candles, goldfish, coins, pictures of family and friends, and an important book (such as the poetry of Omar Khayyam). The family gathers around the table at the exact moment of spring (Sal Tahvil) to wish each other a happy new year.

As part of the new year celebration, children receive presents from Papa Norouz and from older relatives including their parents. They also revel in the singing and dancing in the streets by Haji Firouz. The next 13 days are a holiday period, consisting mostly of visiting friends and family.

Here are a couple of pictures from my parents' Norouz table, from 2004:

 

Out with the old, in with the new. Happy new year!