International Day of Nowruz

International Day of Nowruz History

The International Day of Nowruz celebrates the start of the Persian New Year and the beginning of spring. This United Nations approved observance is mainly about cultural respect, friendship, and peace. It is an ethnically diverse festival, encompassing the rich cultural tapestry tied to this ancient tradition. The day promotes close cross-cultural relationships and intercultural dialogue worldwide, emphasizing peace, solidarity, reconciliation, and neighborliness.

Nowruz, meaning 'new day,' has a history that stretches back approximately 3,000 years. It originates from Iran's ancient Persia and has been celebrated by diverse communities around the world, including many people in New Zealand. For New Zealanders, the International Day of Nowruz provides a unique opportunity to participate in intercultural exchange and engagement. It helps enhance knowledge and understanding of the rich Persian culture and encourages cohesive and inclusive society building, emphasizing the message of unity in diversity.

In New Zealand, International Day of Nowruz is not only observed by Iranian diaspora but also by a wider audience who appreciate multiculturalism. The occasion is typically marked by public functions, cultural events, and intimate family feasts, with the sharing of a traditional meal being an integral part of the celebrations. Haft-Seen, a customary Nowruz table setting with 7 symbolic items starting with the letter 'S' in Persian, is often displayed in these celebrations. The observance is not tied to a specific New Zealand time or date, instead it coincides with the vernal equinox, which usually occurs on March 20 or 21.

Facts about International Day of Nowruz

• International Day of Nowruz is celebrated by many countries in western, central, and southern Asia. These include Afghanistan, Georgia, Albania, Iran, Iraq, India, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and Kyrgyzstan.
• The oldest records of Nowruz go back to 247 B.C during the Arsacid/Parthian times.
• One tradition during Nowruz is to pay short house visits to family, friends, and neighbors.
• Auckland, the most populous city of New Zealand, hosts Nowruz celebrations annually. The event typically includes Persian traditional dances, music, and food.
• The Nowruz celebrations in New Zealand often involve the Haft Seen table, which is a traditional arrangement of seven symbolic items, all starting with the letter 'S' in the Persian language.

In the News and Trending in NZ for International Day of Nowruz

Top things to do in NZ for International Day of Nowruz

• Give your family members gifts. On the first day of Nowruz, family members gather around the Haft Seen table and await the exact moment of spring. Once it arrivesm, everyone exchanges gifts.
• Enjoy a picnic. On the last day of Nowruz it is custom to go outdoors and have picnics and parties as a way to avoid bad luck.
• Visit a Persian restaurant could be a great way to celebrate Nowruz. There may be special menus for Nowruz and even traditional musical performances.
• Read a book to learn more about Nowruz in New Zealand:
  Nowruz: Persian New Year's Table - by Sofreh Aghd
  Celebrating Norouz (Persian New Year): With Poems, Stories, & Recipes - Persian/Farsi Edition - by Dr. Ali Sheikholeslami