Nowruz

Nowruz is the name of the Iranian (or Persian) New Year, celebrated on the astronomical vernal equinox. The new year rings in at around 1:30 a.m. in Tehran.

Who celebrates?

It is mainly celebrated by Zoroastrians around the world but also by people from diverse ethno-linguistic communities from some parts of Asia and Eastern Europe.

How do people celebrate?

• It is a celebration of new beginnings so many families have a spring clean and buy new clothes
• Haft-Seen is a traditional table-top arrangement made with 7 food items all beginning with S in Persian; Sabzeh, Samanu, Senjed, Serkeh, Seeb, Seer, Somaq.

What should I know?

• It’s celebrated by 300 million people around the world
• Nowruz literally means new year in Persian
• It is a secular holiday for most celebrants that is enjoyed by people of several different faiths, but remains a holy day for Zoroastrians.

How can I support others?

• Ask people if they or their families will be celebrating
• Don’t assume that because someone identifies as Arab that they will be celebrating
• Encourage celebrations internally and externally
• Talk to your team about the religious representation among your volunteer, employee and service user population and if it’s representative of your area.

BBC Podcast: Zoroastrianism:  https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p005bc5v

Nowruz recipes: https://www.whats4eats.com/holidays/nowruz-recipes-traditions

BBC idea: Nowruz celebrations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=on9KQ5UTq4U