Springing to Life
Today is the first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, marking the vernal equinox, when the Sun moves north across the celestial equator. Symbolically, the season has long represented renewal, as birds return, flowers bloom, insects stir alive, and the Sun shines a little brighter and longer every day.
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A New Day
In most years, the holiday of Nowruz—a celebration of the Persian new year—begins on March 21, coinciding with the vernal equinox. But since this year’s equinox is a bit earlier than usual, Nowruz begins today instead. Here’s more on the festival whose name translates into New Day.
Who celebrates it?
Though Nowruz is mostly a secular celebration, it is often associated with and influenced by Zoroastrianism and Parsiism, in which it is a religious holiday. It is celebrated in Iran, Iraq, India, Afghanistan, and much of Central Asia.
How is it celebrated?
Nowruz traditions vary widely, though some are commonplace. Preparation includes the arrangement of the haft-sīn (pictured below), a spread of seven items representing renewal and spring. Its centerpiece is the sabzeh, a sprouting plant, symbolizing rebirth. Communal festivities include bonfires, feasts, and celebrations of culture such as musical performances, poetry readings, and traditional sports.
From bonfires to picnics
On the Tuesday preceding Nowruz, Iranians prepare the way for the new year with Chahārshanbe Sūrī, or “Scarlet Wednesday,” so named for practices such as jumping over bonfires. Nowruz is followed by Sīzdah Bedar (“getting rid of thirteen” or "outdoor thirteen") which marks the end of the new year holiday and features outdoor picnics.
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