Navroze ~ Persian New Year

                                                              March 2022

Navroze, or "New Day" in Farsi, marks the first day of the Spring Equinox for the Northern Hemisphere, which falls on March 20th or 21st each year. It reminds us that winter is coming to an end, and it's time to cleanse our homes that have remained closed over the winter. It's a new year to start afresh. This occasion is celebrated with friends, families, and neighbours, by sharing what we are fortunate enough to have with others. Thought to be celebrated by over 190 million people worldwide, particularly those from the Middle East and Central and South Asia, Navroze celebrates good health, happiness, and prosperity.

 

The Haftseen or Haftsheen table is a symbolic tribute to the seven creations of the universe: fire, water, air, earth, metal, and the plant and animal kingdoms; it includes seven items that begin with the sound 's' or 'sh', depending on the dialect, to thank the universe for what we are blessed with and pray for continuity in the days to come. 

Zoroastrians also associate the number 7 with their seven amesha spentas—angels.

 

Sumac (a berry powder), for the sunrise and the spice of life.

Semanu a sweet semolina pudding for the sweetness of life

Seb an apple for health and beauty.

Sabzi, greens to represent life and rebirth.

Seer or garlic, representing health

Sumbul a hyacinth, for the advent of spring

Serkeh or vinegar, representing age and patience. 

In addition to these items, the table usually includes candles (shama is the light of life), a mirror (sheesha) to reflect the sky and wish for yourself, coins (sikah) for prosperity, flowers (plant life), painted eggs (for fertility), nuts and dry fruit (for age), and goldfish for the end of the astrological calendar, Pisces, and movement in our lives. Senjed-olives symbolize love in our life. 

The table originated in the Persian Empire centuries ago, when King Jamshed the Great declared this day as Jamshedi Navroze, and it continues to be a custom in modern-day Iran and other Middle Eastern, Central, and South Asian countries, as well as among their diaspora worldwide.

The table and its offerings represent a celebration of life, with gratitude for nature's and the universe's numerous creations, as well as an appreciation and respect for the beauty of everything around us. In its own small way, the Western world has designated this date as Poetry Day and United Nations Day. Some call it the International Day of Happiness. 

However, it may be different for people in the Southern Hemisphere, where it is the Autumnal Equinox at this time of the year.

March 2018

I

The significance of my haftseen/haftsheen table.
Wine or sharab for entertainment; siir/seer, or garlic, is for health; sikka, the coin, represents wealth and prosperity; seb, the apple, depicts health and beauty; sonbol, the hyacinth plant, represents life and the advent of spring; the golab das holds rosewater, which is sprinkled on each guest, a reminder to stay sweet. The mirror reflects us, God's creation, which insists on looking at ourselves with a smile while expressing a wish for the next year. A book is placed in prayer, with the number of candles lit for each member of the family residing within. The milk represents nourishment, often interchanged with a sweet pudding, while a box or shemshad denotes earning wealth. A goldfish swimming in the water depicts the end of our astrological year. In ancient Persia, people often floated an orange to represent the earth as part of our universe. 

 

In 2018, a program called 'sharing and caring' was set up to create an awareness of our heritage and traditions. Preparing homemade sweets to share with neighbours.
It has been centuries since the advent of spring was marked universally. 
After all, it's a celebration where we are thankful for all "life'': animals, plants, and ourselves. It respects the elements of our planet: air, wind, water, fire, and metal. Come join in by preparing a feast for the family or simply sharing a meal with your neighbour. A gesture of kindness and some zest for life have never hurt anyone. Be blessed. 

My published cookbooks are available for sale through myself via email, in independent book stores across the world and on Amazon India.

The Route to Parsi Cooking: From Pars to India and Beyond is an award winning book. It has been self published in June 2024. Email at theroutetoparsicooking@gmail.com

The World of Parsi Cooking: Food Across Borders is a 3 award winning book. It has been self published in July 2019 and will be going into its second print in 2022. 

The Vegetarian Parsi, inspired by tradition is an award winning cookbook. It was published by Spenta Multimedia India and is available on Amazon India and through email order at thevegetarianparsi@gmail.com.

The Art of Parsi Cooking; reviving an ancient cuisine was published in 2016 by Austin Macauley and continues to be available through amazon book depot book depository and from the publishers.

Navroze 2019