Nowruz is an annual tradition marking the beginning of the Persian Calendar and has been a tradition for over 2,500 years. It is an important time of celebration for Iranians across the globe, even at Skyline.
Nowruz means “new day” in Persian and is centered around the spring equinox, which falls between March 19–21. This traditional holiday is focused on the coming of spring: longer days, a better harvest, and improvement of oneself. These values are reflected in its celebratory traditions, especially the Haftseen. The Haftseen is a table with various objects representing virtues that Persians hope will come to them in the new year. Senior Diba Zadeh says, “My favorite Nowruz tradition is putting the Haftseen together.” She also added that her favorite symbolic object on the Haftseen is “garlic, because it symbolizes health.” Some other symbols on the Haftseen include the apple (symbolizing beauty), Vinegar (symbolizing patience), and Wheat Sprouts (symbolizing rebirth). Junior Auzeen Tashnizi stated her favorite Haftseen symbol is “ Sabzeh,” because it is the “best representation of spring.”
Other than the Haftseen, there are many more traditions that come with Nowruz. These traditions can affect both Skyline students that celebrate Nowruz and the Iranian community. Zadeh exclaimed that Nowruz “helps connect me to my Persian heritage” and that she believes it “brings the community together.” The new year is a time for Iranians to gather and celebrate together, especially in this time of conflict. Tashnizi said, “My favorite family tradition is calling my family and friends right at new year.”
Nowruz holds many fond memories for students at Skyline and Iranians around the globe. Traditions such as Charshambesuri, which is on the Tuesday before Nowruz, is a focal point of memories for many Iranian students. Zadeh said, “I remember when I jumped over the fires when I was young…I hope to participate more in the coming years.” The tradition involves jumping over a series of small bonfires, symbolizing purification. Tashnizi said, “My favorite memory is painting eggs with my grandma.”
Spring ends the seasonal depression that students often get during the gloomy winter months, but for the Iranian community at Skyline, it is so much more meaningful and important. From family traditions to happy memories, Nowruz is a vital part of how the Iranian community is unified. Zadeh said, “It gets the community together and helps connect us together.”
