Norooz Customs
In harmony with the rebirth of nature, the Iranian New Year Celebration, or
NOROOZ, always begins on the first day of spring. Norooz ceremonies are symbolic
representations of two ancient concepts - the End and the Rebirth; or Good and
Evil. A few weeks before the New Year, Iranians clean and rearrange their homes.
They make new clothes, bake pastries and germinate seeds as sign of renewal.
Haji Firooz
is a character who is the traditional herald of the Norooz. Haji Firooz disguise
themselves with makeup and wear brightly colored outfits of satin. Haji Firuz
sing and dance and parade as a carnival through the streets with tambourines,
kettledrums, and trumpets to spread good cheer and the news of the coming new
year Norooz.
Chahar
Shanbeh Soori
happens on the last Tuesday evening of the year. Every family gathers several
piles of wood or brush in the streets or parks to be lit shortly after the
sunset. Then all the family members line up and take turns jumping over the
burning fire and singing “sorkheeyeh toe az man, Zardeeyeh man az toe’. “I give
my paleness to the fire and take fire red healthy color”. Yellow or paleness
symbolizes the sickness and pain and red symbolizes heath. Fireworks can be
heard throughout the night.
Haft
Seen
Is a spread with seven items which each symbolizes a wish or theme. All seven
items in this ceremonial table starts with the Persian letter Seen or S in
English. The Haft Seen spread is usually put out a week before the New Year,
which sets the mood for celebration. The seven items are Sabzeh (grown wheat or
lentil) for rebirth, Samanu (flour and sugar) for sweetness of life, Sekeh (coin
) for prosperity and wealth, Senjed ( dried fruit of Lotus tree) for love, Seer
(garlic) for health, Somaq ( sumac berries) for warmth and Serkeh ( vinegar) for
patience. Also there other items on the Norooz spread such as painted eggs,
which represent fertility, a mirror that represents image and reflection of
life, and a goldfish in a bowl that represents life.
Seezdah
Bedar
is the 13th day of Norooz and Persians to overcome the bad luck they spend the
entire day out of the house with families and friends in the parks having a
picnic. They sing and play games and celebrate a happy and healthy holiday
season and end the holiday season on a positive note.
Norooz International Cultural Foundation, Toronto, Canada
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