Millions of people worldwide, particularly in Iran, Central Asia, and the Caucasus, celebrate Nowruz, also known as the Persian New Year, which marks the spring equinox. In Persian, the phrase “Nowruz” signifies “new day.”
Since it was first observed more than 3,000 years ago, Nowruz has been a secular celebration with roots in Zoroastrianism, an ancient Persian religion. The Iranian calendar’s new year officially begins on or around March 20th during this time.
A number of rituals and traditions are performed during the festival, which is traditionally honoured for 13 days. They include spring cleaning, visiting family and friends, cooking and sharing special cuisines, receiving gifts, and engaging in outdoor activities like picnics and kite flying.
Nowruz is also a time for renewing relationships, reflecting on the past year, and setting goals for the year ahead. It is a celebration of life, nature, and the renewal of the spirit.
The history behind Nowruz?
Zoroastrianism, a religion that was practised more than 3,000 years ago in ancient Persia (modern-day Iran), is the source of the ancient holiday of Nowruz. One of the first monotheistic religions, Zoroastrianism had a major impact on the formation of subsequent religions including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Nowruz is a holiday that has been celebrated since the Zoroastrian era and was once celebrated on the first day of the Zoroastrian calendar. The event heralds the beginning of the spring equinox, or the time when day and night are of equal duration when the sun crosses the equator.
Throughout history, It has been observed by a variety of cultures and societies. Cyrus the Great, the Persian king who established the Achaemenid Empire, proclaimed Nowruz a national festival in the sixth century BC. Under succeeding Iranian dynasties, such as the Parthian and Sassanian Empires, the holiday was still observed.
Even though Islam overtook other major religions in Persia after the Arab conquest in the 7th century, Nowruz was still observed as a secular holiday. Millions of people around the world continue to celebrate the holiday despite many political, social, and cultural changes over the ages.
Nowruz was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009, highlighting its significance as a cultural tradition that promotes peace and solidarity among diverse communities.
When was the first Nowruz was celebrated?
Although the precise origins of Nowruz are unknown, it is thought to have been celebrated throughout the area that is now modern-day Iran and Central Asia for over 3,000 years. It was customarily celebrated on the first day of the Zoroastrian calendar and has roots in the ancient Zoroastrian religion.
Nowruz celebrations are first mentioned in writing during the Achaemenid Empire (550–330 BC), which was established by the Persian ruler Cyrus the Great. According to legend, Cyrus proclaimed Nowruz a national holiday and enthusiastically observed it.
Several cultures and societies in the area have observed Nowruz over the years, including the Parthians, Sassanids, and the Islamic caliphate. The celebration is still observed by millions of people around the world today despite having weathered countless political, social, and cultural changes.
It is important to note that the first Nowruz festival predates written records, hence the precise year is unknown. But it is a deeply embedded cultural practice with a fascinating past that has been handed down down the generations for a very long time.
