Introduction
The Vernal Equinox has religious significance for several religions. In Baha’iism and Zoroastrianism, it marks the major holiday of Naw-Rúz. In Islam, in the Alawite Shiite tradition, Naw-Rúz is a minor holiday, as it is in the Sufi Islamic tradition of Betashism where it is called Sultan Nevruz.
For the Baha’i and Zoroastrian (or Parsee) religions as well as Alawite, Alevi and Betashist Moslems, Naw-Rúz begins for 2020 at sunset on Thursday March 19 and ends at sunset Friday March 20.
This is the second of two posts. The earlier post dealt with the related holiday of the vernal equinox called Ostara. This is a major holiday for those practicing Wicca, Neo-Druidism and Neo-Paganism. You can read this post on Ostara at
This post deals with the religious holiday of Zoroastrianism, Baha’iism, and of certain Islamic sects. This post also describes the central Asian quasi-religious folk holiday of Naw-Rúz.
Naw-Rúz: A Note About the Name
Because ancient Persian does not transliterate well into Latin letters, a great number of alternative spellings for the same holiday. Within the Baha’i faith, Naw-Rúz is the preferred spelling.
In Zoroastrianism, there is no preferred English spelling. Indeed, there is. for that matter, no consistency as to whether the two words are hyphenated, combined or left separate. K.E. Eduljee on the Nowruz page of the Zoroastrian Heritage website found 24 spellings for the holiday on Google.
In 2009, UNESCO formally categorized what was spelled in English as Nowrooz as an official “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity event. This is the Farsi spelling of the holiday used in Iran
Baha’is point out that, significantly, the meeting the Inter-governmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Heritage took place inAbu Dhabi
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| 2011 Norooz celebration UNESCO headquarters, Paris had performers from Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Russia and Uzbekistan |
Baha’is point out that, significantly, the meeting the Inter-governmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Heritage took place in
Some of the most common spellings and the language associated with the spelling are Navroz (Uzbek), Novruz (Azeri), Nowruz (Arabic, Pashto, Turkmen, Kurdish), Navruz (Tajik), Nauryz or Nauriz (Kazakh, Kyrgyz), Nevruz (Turkish) and Novruzit (Albania).
For the purposes of this article, for no reason other than consistency sake, I have kept to the Baha’i spelling of Naw-Rúz.
Naw-Rúz in Baha’iism
While Baha’i scripture indicates that Naw-Rúz falls on March 20, some Baha’is alternatively observe the holiday on March 21, especially in the United States, Canada, western European countries and India where March 21 is often considered to be the vernal equinox.
Naw-Rúz is the first day of the Baha’i calendar. On Naw-Rúz, Baha’is are prohibited from working; this includes the prohibition of attending classes.
For Baha’is,. Naw-Rúz marks the end of a 19-day fast in which no healthy adult eats from sunrise to sunset (similar to the practice of Moslems during Ramadan). For Baha’is, Naw-Rúz is spent in celebrations, although the traditions change from country to country.
For most of the world’s 6-7 million Baha’is though, it remains customary on the Naw-Rúz holiday to gather as groups to read from the Baha’i holy writings, wear new clothing, and to decorate with flowers. In theUnited States
For most of the world’s 6-7 million Baha’is though, it remains customary on the Naw-Rúz holiday to gather as groups to read from the Baha’i holy writings, wear new clothing, and to decorate with flowers. In the
Naw-Rúz in Zoroastrianism
For Zoroatrianism, as with Baha’iism, Naw-Rúz marks the beginning of the New Year and is among the most significant of their Holy Days.
Who are the Zoroastrians? A Brief Background
At this point, it may be worth pointing out who the Zoroastrians are. Zoroastrians are also called Parsees or Parsis, reflecting their origin in Persia (modern-day Iran
With the arrival of Islam, the fortunes of Zoroastrianism began to decline precipitously. The Zoroastrians were forced to leave Persia in the wake of major persecutions by Moslems beginning in the 10th Century CE. By the 12th Century, most Parsees, faced with a choice of conversion to Islam or death, chose to fell to what is now the Indian state ofGujarat , which is still the center of the Parsee population.
With the arrival of Islam, the fortunes of Zoroastrianism began to decline precipitously. The Zoroastrians were forced to leave Persia in the wake of major persecutions by Moslems beginning in the 10th Century CE. By the 12th Century, most Parsees, faced with a choice of conversion to Islam or death, chose to fell to what is now the Indian state of
On the whole, Zoroastrians are not a large group, with perhaps a million followers, primarily in India and the United States
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| Notable Zoroastrians (right to left) Jamsetji Tata, Freddy Mercury, Zubin Mehta, Sooni Taraporevala |
Zoroastrian Observance of Naw-Rúz
All Zoroastrians observe Naw-Rúz, although those of the Fasli sect celebrate a spring Naw-Rúz (or Jamshedi Naw-Rúz) and a summer Naw-Rúz. Interestingly, while the three main sects of Zoroastrianism have separate calendars (which actually aligned for the only time in 1992, but again have unaligned), the dates of most holidays are a point of controversy. Yet regardless of sect, all Zoroastrians recognize Naw-Rúz as the vernal equinox (which may fall on March 19, 20 or 21, varying by particular year). On Naw-Rúz, Zoroastrians refrain from work including school attendance.
Traditionally, Zoroastrians light seven small bonfires on the eve of Naw-Rúz to symbolically burn away pain and sickness.
On Naw-Rúz Eve, children dress up in white sheets representing the souls of the departed. Parallels to the western traditions of Halloween are evident. Children are also give spoons to bang on pots and pans symbolically to chase out the old year and herald the new.
Also on Naw-Rúz Eve, Zoroastrians traditionally tie a knot in a handkerchief or cloth and ask the first person they see on the holiday to untie the knot, symbolically unraveling one’s misfortunes of the previous year and setting them free. Zoroastrians also wear new clothing and gather at people’s houses to celebrate.
Many Zoroastrians visit the houses of friends and give gifts on Naw-Rúz day itself. In preparation, people awake early, bathe and put on new clothing (often their best outfits) to symbolize starting anew. Women wear elaborate sari draped in Parsi-specific style. Many people hold large gathering in their homes where guests received pastries, nuts and dried fruits. One food specific to the holiday is Ajil a Chaharshanbeh. This is made of unsalted hazelnuts, pistachios, cashews, almonds and walnuts together with roasted chickpeas and dried raisins and toot (dried white mulberries).
Another major symbol of the Zoroastrian Naw-Rúz is growing of sabzeh nowruz -- newly sprouted wheat grass. Young women then offer small patches of sabzeh nowruz as a symbol of renewal and new life.
Many Parsis in India decorate the thresholds of their doors and entry halls with rangoli. Rangoli are traditional Indian decorations and patterns made of colored powder.
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| Naw-Rúz Fire |
On Naw-Rúz Eve, children dress up in white sheets representing the souls of the departed. Parallels to the western traditions of Halloween are evident. Children are also give spoons to bang on pots and pans symbolically to chase out the old year and herald the new.
Also on Naw-Rúz Eve, Zoroastrians traditionally tie a knot in a handkerchief or cloth and ask the first person they see on the holiday to untie the knot, symbolically unraveling one’s misfortunes of the previous year and setting them free. Zoroastrians also wear new clothing and gather at people’s houses to celebrate.
Many Zoroastrians visit the houses of friends and give gifts on Naw-Rúz day itself. In preparation, people awake early, bathe and put on new clothing (often their best outfits) to symbolize starting anew. Women wear elaborate sari draped in Parsi-specific style. Many people hold large gathering in their homes where guests received pastries, nuts and dried fruits. One food specific to the holiday is Ajil a Chaharshanbeh. This is made of unsalted hazelnuts, pistachios, cashews, almonds and walnuts together with roasted chickpeas and dried raisins and toot (dried white mulberries).
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| Ajil a Chaharshanbeh |
Another major symbol of the Zoroastrian Naw-Rúz is growing of sabzeh nowruz -- newly sprouted wheat grass. Young women then offer small patches of sabzeh nowruz as a symbol of renewal and new life.
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| Offering sabzeh nowruz |
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| Nowruz Rangoli |
Farvardigan Days and Pateti
Observances actually begin before the holiday actually begins. Beginning ten days before Naw-Rúz starts what are called the Farvardigan Days or (in India
During the Farvadigan Days, prayers are offered at the temple for the fravashis, the souls of the departed. It is believed at this time that the souls of the dead are near at this point and that deceased loved ones provide blessings to those offering them such prayers. In time, fravashis can become guardian angels or farvards (hence the name Farvardian Days). The fravashi is one of the central symbols of Zoroastrianism but is also well-associated with ancient Persian culture. Because of this, until the overthrow of the Shah in Iran's Islamic Revolution, the symbol of the Pahlahvi dynasty there featured a fravashi.
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| Fravashi |
During the Farvadigan days, it is traditional to clean one's house. The source of the tradition of Spring Cleaning comes from this ancient tradition.
The day before Naw-Rúz is called Pateti. On Pateti, Zoroastrians are supposed to think deeply on all of the wrongdoings they have done over the past year. By repenting on these bad behaviors, believers hope to start the new year afresh.
The Haft Seen
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| Haft Seen Table Spread |
Perhaps the most central symbol for Zoroastrians – particularly among the Parsees of India – is the table spread known as the Haft Seen.
The phrase means the seven – “haft” -- things beginning with the Farsi letter “s” or “seen”(in other words, the Seven Esses).
The phrase means the seven – “haft” -- things beginning with the Farsi letter “s” or “seen”(in other words, the Seven Esses).
These seven items are highly symbolic although some disagreement from group to group surrounds what the actual seven items are.
In general the Haft Seen are
1) sabzeh (barley, wheat or lentils for rebirth)
2) samanu (wheat germ pudding) or sekkeh (coins) which symbolize wealth)
3) senjed (a Middle Eastern red date) symbolizing love
4) seer (garlic) or seeb (apples) symbolizing health and beauty
5) somaq (sumac berries, which by the way is the source of the English word, symbolizing the new day dawning or sunrise)
6) serkey (or vinegar) symbolizing patience and gaining old age)
7) sonbol (or hyacinths) symbolizing the coming of Spring itself, which the holiday marks.
Additionally, most Zoroastrians light candles at the table of the Haft Seen (again as the symbolic purification of fire).
It is customary as well to have a bowl of water with an orange floating in it (symbolizing the earth floating in space) and/or a goldfish (symbolizing life within life, as well as representing the sun leaving Pisces at this time).
It is customary as well to have a bowl of water with an orange floating in it (symbolizing the earth floating in space) and/or a goldfish (symbolizing life within life, as well as representing the sun leaving Pisces at this time).
The Egg: A Link Between Christian Easter Practices and Zoroastrian Naw-Rúz
Eggs are an important symbol of rebirth used for Naw-Rúz. Three, five or seven eggs are often added to the Haft Sin table. These eggs are decorated for the holiday. For some idea of the type of patterns – traditional and new – used to decorate Naw-Rúz eggs, please see the “Magic Nowruz Egg” website at
Click on the dots beneath the eggs to bring up new selections. The video is also worth watching as it shows how to make the egg patterns (but unfortunately is not in English). Some decorated Naw-Rúz egg examples from the site are shown below.
Naw-Rúz eggs – called tokhme morgh – have multiple symbolic values. On one level, they represent people. The word for egg in ancient Persian is tied to the words for “person” mardom and “mortal” martiya. Indeed, it is from the same etymology that the English word “mortality” derives. In Zoroastrianism, the eggs represent a martiya tauxman meaning “the mortal seed.”
For at least 2500 years and more likely 3000 years, the Naw-Rúz egg has symbolized fertility. It is unclear whether the Zoroastrian association of the egg with fertility led to the association of the egg with the ancient Assyrian and Babylonian fertility goddess Ishtar or vice versa. The association of the egg with fertility in the two religions present in ancient Mesopotamia in any case reinforced each other. As the cult of Ishtar died out with the fall of the Assyrian Empire, most Zoroastrians would argue that their association with the springtime egg would be the truer one.
While some Christians have observed that Zoroastrian Naw-Rúz egg decoration parallels the Easter egg tradition, it is noteworthy that it is really the Easter egg that is derived from the Zoroastrian tradition, not vice versa. In other words, the Christian custom of decorating and eating eggs at Easter is generally viewed as having had its origins in the Zoroastrian traditions of Persia Europe by the soldiers of Alexander the Great after their return from their military campaigns there.
In another interesting parallel, the name Easter in English and several other languages is tied etymologically to the ancient Persian fertility goddess Ishtar, Similarly, the Hebrew name Esther also has its origins in the fertility goddess Ishtar’s name. It is not coincidental that the Book of Esther around which the springtime Jewish holiday of Purim is centered took place in the Persian kingdom of Xerxes
Naw-Rúz far predates Christianity, and has its origins in the religions of Ancient Persia. There are records of Zoroastrians observing Naw-Rúz that go back at least 3000 years. The holiday in some Zoroastrian traditions is believed to have been first observed in its present form by the religion’s founder Zoroaster.
Naw-Rúz Around the World
The celebration of Naw-Rúz is among the oldest cultural practices in the area once ruled by the Persian Empire . Far predating Islam, the holiday’s rituals are so deeply engrained over 3000 years of practice that it is still celebrated in Iran
The people of these regions celebrate Naw-Rúz as a semi-secular holiday, with some practices conducted in secret since many Islamic leaders in Iran Iran
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| Afghan girls with Naw-Rúz flowers |
Other countries that make Naw-Rúz a four-day public holiday are
Additionally, Naw-Rúz is recognized as a one-day public holiday in
In Iran Roman Empire ).
Other traditions include wearing newly bought clothes and decorating with hyacinths remain as the only remnant of practice for some Iranians. Other Iranians – particularly in rural Iran
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| Hyacinths have been a symbol of Naw-Rúz in Iran for centuries |
Even where it is not a state holiday, Naw-Rúz is widely celebrated in much of central Asia and the Eastern Mediterranean and is a major holiday of celebration among the Iranian and Kurdish diasporas around the world.
Indeed, it was the importance of the holiday to Iranian and Kurdish groups inCanada that led it to recognize Naw-Rúz (although not as a public holiday in Canada Iran
Indeed, it was the importance of the holiday to Iranian and Kurdish groups in
To see President Obama’s Naw-Rúz video message, see
Islamic Observances of Naw-Rúz
While three sects of Islam – the Alawis of Syria, the Alevis of Turkey and the primarily Albanian Sufi Bektashis —recognize Naw-Rúz as an Islamic holiday, it is important to note that this is not widespread in other Islamic traditions.
Indeed, during the Taliban’s control of Afghanistan Afghanistan
Alawi Naw-Rúz
The Alawite Moslems of Syria (the faith to which the ruling Assad family belongs) also celebrate Naw-Rúz. For the Alawis, this is a time of renewal and is marked with a feast. During the ongoing civil war in Syria there has been considerable concern regarding sectarian violence directed against the Alawis in Syria. In part motivated by the fact that President Bashar al-Assad is an Alawi, violence has led to multiple attacks against the community both politically-based from those opposed to the Assad regime as well as religiously-based from Sunni Muslims who are intolerant of Alawite beliefs. This has meant that many Alawis have fled their homes to other countries or into the mountains and that open Alawite religious observance is increasingly dangerous in Syria. For more on the targeted attacks on the Alawis in Syria, please see
http://www.irinnews.org/fr/report/98274/analysis-sectarian-violence-triggers-sunni-alawi-segregation-in-syria
or
http://www.npr.org/2012/06/13/154904208/in-syrias-sectarian-battle-who-are-the-alawites
http://www.irinnews.org/fr/report/98274/analysis-sectarian-violence-triggers-sunni-alawi-segregation-in-syria
or
http://www.npr.org/2012/06/13/154904208/in-syrias-sectarian-battle-who-are-the-alawites
Alevi Naw-Rúz (or Kurdish New Year)
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| Alevi man walks over Newruz bonfire to purify his soul |
Following the founding of the Republic of Turkey until the early 1990's the Alevis in Turkey were officially discouraged from celebrating Naw-Rúz in public. Part of this was based on concerns that the lighting of bonfires caused a safety hazard. Many Alevis, however, argued that this was because a large number of Alevis are Kurdish and the government was concerned that Naw-Rúz would be used as as an opportunity for anti-government activism. In any case, since the 1990's, Alevi public celebrations, including bonfires, have been entirely allowed. Indeed, Alevi dancing and other programs for Naw-Rúz are frequently organized by local and municipal government officials in areas with a high Alevi population.
Bektashi Naw-Rúz
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| Bektashi and Alevi Moslems celebrate Naw-Rúz as the birthday of Imam Ali |
Quite apart from the religious significance of the Bektashi Naw-Rúz prayer, the language is poetic and beautiful. It opens as follows:
May god give his blessing, O friends
Nawruz the faithful has come,
That is the anniversary of the king of kings,
of palace and of the brightness of day,
The wisdom of God has now become evident - -
The high mercy of God becoming manifest,
Verily all earth and heaven became filled with light.
The light of Divine Reality
has covered all the world.
Heaven scattered light like the dawn.
An angel came and saluted me,
He raised my fame above the exalted ones,
He said: "This night the king of religion
is being born,
The dweller in the highest throne is awaiting'
The rest of the prayer goes on to hope that the birth of Imam Ali be always remembered and that his relationship to the Prophet Mohammed be recalled forever. The second half of the prayer describes the symbolic importance of light and ties the divine light of guidance shown to Adam that was shared through each of the prophets of Islam through the Prophet Mohammed and the Imam Ali. This light is seen as the gateway to divine knowledge and reaching God.
Conclusion
As with all of my posts on this site regarding religious holidays, this overview is in no way intended to suggest what is or is not proper observance. The sole purpose here is to inform. If you would like to share your own views of the holiday, please do leave a comment. I would welcome hearing from you.
Happy Naw-Rúz!
Want to learn more?
General information
Sara Al Shurafa (March 21, 2019), "Nowruz: People Across Asia Celebrate Persian New Year," Gulf News, https://gulfnews.com/world/mena/nowruz-people-across-asia-celebrate-persian-new-year-1.1553161899422
Farina Amini (March 21, 2011), “The Grass is Green: Nowruz Celebrated at UDEL,” http://www.payvand.com/news/11/mar/1100.html
Farina Amini (March 21, 2011), “The Grass is Green: Nowruz Celebrated at UDEL,” http://www.payvand.com/news/11/mar/1100.html
BBC News (March 21, 2019), "Nowruz: How 300m people celebrate Persian New Year," https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-middle-east-47643267/nowruz-how-300m-people-celebrate-persian-new-year
Catherine Beyer (February 6, 2018), “Naw-Ruz – The Baha'i and Zoroastrian New Year,” About.com:
A. Shaper Shahbazi (nd, retrieved March 19, 2020), “Haft Sin,” http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/haft-sin
A. Shaper Shahbazi (December 30, 2012), “Iranian Traditions and Celebrations: Haft Sin,” Encyclopedia Iranica, https://www.cais-soas.com/CAIS/Celebrations/haftsin.htm
United Nations (March 21, 2019), "International Nowruz Day."https://www.un.org/en/observances/international-nowruz-day
Nourish Ziabari and Afshin Marashi (April 2, 2019), "Nowruz: Celebrating History's Cycle of Birth and Rebirth," Fair Observer, https://www.fairobserver.com/region/middle_east_north_africa/nowruz-celebrations-iran-culture-history-news-91912/
A. Shaper Shahbazi (December 30, 2012), “Iranian Traditions and Celebrations: Haft Sin,” Encyclopedia Iranica, https://www.cais-soas.com/CAIS/Celebrations/haftsin.htm
United Nations (March 21, 2019), "International Nowruz Day."https://www.un.org/en/observances/international-nowruz-day
Nourish Ziabari and Afshin Marashi (April 2, 2019), "Nowruz: Celebrating History's Cycle of Birth and Rebirth," Fair Observer, https://www.fairobserver.com/region/middle_east_north_africa/nowruz-celebrations-iran-culture-history-news-91912/
In Baha’iism
Baha’i Mosaic (March 20, 2019) , “Some Baha’i Readings for a Naw-Ruz Gathering,” http://bahaimosaic.blogspot.com/2009/02/some-bahai-readings-for-naw-ruz.html
BBC Religions (September 25, 2009), “Naw-Rúz,“ http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/bahai/holydays/nawruz.shtml
Baha'i Teachings, "Naw-Ruz: It's a New Day and a New Year" (March 20, 2019), Bahai Teachings.org, https://bahaiteachings.org/naw-ruz-new-day-new-year/
Encyclopedia Brittanica (March 13, 2020), "Nowruz: Zoroastrianism and Parsiism,"https://www.britannica.com/topic/Noruz
John Walbridge (1996) , “Naw-Rúz: The Bahá'í New Year,” Baha’i Library Online:
John Walbridge (1996) , “Naw-Rúz: The Bahá'í New Year,” Baha’i Library Online:
In Zoroastrianism:
K.E. Eduljee (nd retrieved March 19, 2020), “Nowruz,” Zoroastrian Heritage website: http://heritageinstitute.com/zoroastrianism/nowruz/index.htm
Daily News and Analysis of India (August 19, 2010), “Parsis celebrate Zoroastrian New Year 'Navroz' in Mumbai,” http://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/report_parsis-celebrate-zoroastrian-new-year-navroz-in-mumbai_1425865
Ali A. Jafarey (March 20, 2005), “Nowruz – Zarathushrian New Year,” http://www.zoroastrian.org/articles/nowruz.htm
Homa (March 20, 2015), "Nowruz: Persian New Year," Persian Mama, https://persianmama.com/nowruz-norooz-persian-new-year-celebration/
Prokeraia (March 19, 2020), "Jamshedi Nowruz 2020: Know all about the Parsi New Year 2020, and celebrations that Make a Happy Navroze extra special": https://www.prokerala.com/news/articles/a1019439.html
Caleb Wilkinson (August 19, 2016), "Parsi New Year: A Time of Renewal and Rejuvenation," Cultural Awareness International, https://culturalawareness.com/parsi-new-year/
Homa (March 20, 2015), "Nowruz: Persian New Year," Persian Mama, https://persianmama.com/nowruz-norooz-persian-new-year-celebration/
Prokeraia (March 19, 2020), "Jamshedi Nowruz 2020: Know all about the Parsi New Year 2020, and celebrations that Make a Happy Navroze extra special": https://www.prokerala.com/news/articles/a1019439.html
Caleb Wilkinson (August 19, 2016), "Parsi New Year: A Time of Renewal and Rejuvenation," Cultural Awareness International, https://culturalawareness.com/parsi-new-year/
Hunza Develpment Forum:
Clip Art Sources
Happy Naw Ruz opening image: http://media.photobucket.com/image/recent/herbiehowsermc/Naw-Ruz.jpg2011 UNESCO Norooz celebration: http://photobank.unesco.org/exec/fiche.htm
Jamsetji Tata stamp http://www.kamat.com/kalranga/artifact/stamps/s310.htm
Freddy Mercury: http://userserve-ak.last.fm/serve/_/3858151/Freddie+Mercury++35.jpg
Zubin Mehta: http://www.guidaindia.com/images/stories/zubin_mehta200px.jpg
Sooni Taraporevala: http://im.rediff.com/movies/2009/mar/12sli1.jpg
Naw Ruz fire: http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images/47514000/jpg/_47514355_nz_fire_chrisdb_766x511.jpg
Fravashi: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Faravahar.svg
Ajil a Chaharshanbeh: https://persianmama.com/nowruz-norooz-persian-new-year-celebration/
Offering sabzeh nowruz: BBC https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-middle-east-47643267/nowruz-how-300m-people-celebrate-persian-new-year
Nowruz Rangoli: https://culturalawareness.com/parsi-new-year/
Haft Seen table spread: http://heritageinstitute.com/zoroastrianism/nowruz/nowruz3.htm#table
Naw Ruz eggs: http://magicnoruzegg.com/index-2.html
Afghan girls with Naw Ruz flowers: http://www.faratarazmarzha.org/En/Culture/Nawrooze.htm
Hyacinths: http://www.ausgardener.com.au/plants/Hyacinth-Mixture.html
Alevi man walks over Newruz bonfire, Turkish Daily News:
http://www.fravahr.org/spip.php?breve621
Imam Ali painting by Ahmad Resa Haraji: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mola_Ali.jpg
