Thursday, April 1, 2010

Persian New Year (Noruz, Norouz, Nowrouz, Nowruz, Nooruz)

Nowruz is celebrated by over 300 million people worldwide on March 21st, the day of the vernal equinox.

Noruz is principally observed in Iran ,Afghanistan ,Uzbekistan ,Kazakhstan ,Azerbaijan ,Tajikistan ,Georgia (country),Iraqi Kurdistan ,Turkmenistan ,Kyrgyzstan ,Albania and Kosovo .

Iranians celebrate the New Year for 13 days.
The 13th day of the new year is called "Sizdah Bedar".The 13th day they will go for picnic.

Before Nowruz ,they will clean their house and purchase new dresses.

The United Nations General Assembly recognized March 21st as the International Day of Nowruz during its sixty-fourth session on Feb. 23, 2010.

Nowruz was also registered on the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on September 30, 2009.

Haft Seen


Haft Seen, a table containing seven items starting with the letter 'S' — Sabzeh (freshly grown greens), Samanu (sweet wheat paste), Senjed (jujube), Seeb (apple), Seer (garlic), Somagh (sumac) and Serkeh (vinegar).

* Sabzeh, wheat or lentil sprouts represents rebirth.

* Samanu, a creamy pudding made from wheat germ is regarded as holy.

* Seeb, apple symbolizes health and beauty.

* Senjid, the dried fruit of lotus tree for love.

* Seer, garlic which is considered medicinal represents health.

* Somagh, sumac berries represents the color of sun and the victory of good over evil.

* Serkeh, vinegar represents old age and patience.
Gold fish is placed in a bowl.Coloured eggs are also placed on the tale.Egg denotes fertility.Mirror and also candles also placed on th table.

Google's Doodle for Persian New year


2010


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2006
2005
2004

Persian Recipes

Recipes for stews and rice dishes

Aunt Naheed's recipes for Nowruz