Nowruz preperations begans days before nowruz day tehvil sal e no,people go for shoppings,cleaning homes,purchasing new clothes, and buying gifts for their loved ones.They decorate their homes and prepare delecious food , families gather and share happiness, they play games and this festival goes on till 13th day,they go outside on this day also called last wednesday. They go to parks and toward rivers, the sabzeh (sprountings of sabzeh) is thrown in river and ashes of fire also flown in water as a sign of renewal of eenergy.
Here we will see How preperations of Nowruz are done ?
Sabzeh and Khane Tekani (house cleaning)
With the sprouting of sabzeh like lentils,wheat or barley seeds, preparation pf Nowruz began. Khane tekani (house cleaning) is done.
Sabzeh: the sprouting of sabzeh connects deeply to the agrarian traditions of Iranian tribes, whose lives revolved around the transitions in climate and this ritual symbolize renewal,growth and pays tribute to nature.
Khane tekani, on the other hand, involves deep cleaning of the houses, from washing carpets and painting walls to cleaning the yard.
Besides its physical aspects, there are also other meaning of the ritual, it signals that their houses are ready to welcome the souls of the ancestors,same like halloween.
These spirits are believed to return to their homes and visit them temporarily.
This tradition roots from the Zoroastrian emphasis on cleanliness, seen as a powerful way to ward off Evil and preserve the kingdom of Good. (Boyce, 1982, pp. 172-175)
Kharid-e Nowruz ( new year shopping)
Once the seeds are sprouted and the house is clean, families enjoy kharid-e Nowruzi, or New Year shopping.
Shopping for Nowruz traditionally includes acquiring new clothes, shoes, and hats for everyone. Children are highly excited for this ritual as they buy new clothes and gifts.
Most important thing that is included in shopping is the sofreh ( nowruz display cloth) and it goes on to sweatmeats, confectioneries,candles,fruits and nuts .
Women in the household, show special talents and bake sweat breads.
Nowruz Gifts
Finally, the family’s father adds the finishing touch by visiting the bank to collect shiny new coins and new banknotes, ready to be distributed as eydi, the cherished Nowruz gift.
Khwajah Piruz to Haji Firuz
In ancient times,the most victorious person, known as Khwaja Piruz, would temporarily take over the role of mayor during Nowruz. He made sure everyone had all basic needs for nowruz fullfilled,and people are happy .
But times changed. After the fall of Iran to Arab invaders, the tradition couldn’t survive in its original form. The title “Khwaja Piruz” was transformed into “Haji Firuz,” and the grand role of a victorious leader was reduced to that of a performer.
Haji Firuz: The Joy-Bringer
Today, Haji Firuz is still an essential part of Nowruz, but his role is purely for entertainment.
Dressed in bright red clothes, with a conical hat, pointed shoes, and a blackened face, he plays the tambourine and sings his catchy song
حاجی فیروزه، سالی یک روزه،
همه می دونن، منم می دونم،
عیدِ نوروزه، سالی یه روزه
Hājji firuz e, sāl-i ye ruz e (It’s Hajji Firuz, it’s only one day a year)
Hame midunan, man am midunam (Everyone knows, I know as well)
Eyd e Nowruz e, sāl-i ye ruz e (It’s Nowruz, it’s only one day a year)
Other songs
Arbāb e Xod
ارباب خودم، «سلامُ علیکم» !
ارباب خودم، سرِتو بالا کن!
ارباب خودم، لطفی به ما کن،
ارباب خودم، به من نگاه کن!
ارباب خودم، بزبز قندی،
ارباب خودم، چرا نمی خندی؟
Arbāb e xod am, “sāmmule baleykom” (Greetings, my lord)
Arbāb e xod am, sar et-o bālā kon (Raise your head, my lord)
Arbāb e xod am, lotf-i be mā kon (Do me a favor, my lord)
Arbāb e xod am, be man nigā kon (Look at me, my lord)
Arbāb e xod am, boz-boz e qandi (My lord, the billy goat)
Arbāb e xod am, čerā nemi-xandi? (Why don’t you smile, my lord?)
Beškan Beškan
بشکن بشکنه؛ بشکن!
من نمی شکنم؛ بشکن!
اینجا بشکنم، یار گله داره،
اونجا بشکنم، یار گله داره؛
هر جا بشکنم یار گله داره این سیاه بیچاره چقدر حوصله داره!
Beškan beškan e, beškan! (It’s a snap-snap, snap!)
Man nemi-škanam, beškan! (I won’t snap, snap!)
Injā beškanam, yār gele dāre (If I snap here, this one will complain)
Unjā beškanam, yār gele dāre (If I snap there, that one will complain)
In siāh e bičāre če qad howsele dāre! (How patient this poor black [man] is!)
The performances don’t stop at the streets. Wealthier families often invite Haji Firuz and his group into their homes for private shows, where they play folk music, crack jokes, and perform comic routines.
It’s a way for these families to share the fun and laughter of Nowruz with their loved ones, especially the women and children who might not otherwise see the street performances.
At the end of their lively shows, the troupe is treated to a delicious Nowruz meal and thanked with generous gifts of money, known as eydi. Even though Haji Firuz’s role has changed over time, his spirit of bringing joy and laughter to the community keeps the heart of Nowruz alive.
Controversies of Haji Firuz
In recent years, the blackened face of Haji Firuz has become a subject of concern and controversy. On April 2nd, 1400, Mohammadreza Javad Yeganeh, the Deputy Mayor of Tehran for Social and Cultural Affairs, announced a ban on Haji Firuz’s participation in carnivals and other public events. This decision was made in response to growing criticisms linking the character to racial stereotypes, sparking debates over the appropriateness of this traditional figure in modern society.
Amu Nowruz ( Nowruz baba, another character)
In another retelling, Amu Nowruz travels all around the world giving children gifts (much like Santa Claus) , and this story is told to childern to develop interest in them .
Charshanbeh Suri
The actual Nowruz ceremonies begin on the eve of the last Wednesday of the outgoing year. This special day, known as Charshanbeh Suri or “Red Wednesday,” brings families together to participate in ancient rituals that mark the transition into the new year.
Jumping Over Fire: Cleansing bad Energy
As evening sets in, several bonfires are lit, and each family member jumps over the flames while saying, “Sorkhi-ye to az man, zardi-ye man az to,” which translates to, “Give me your redness and take away my wintry sallow complexion.” This act symbolizes exchanging the fire’s vitality for their own dullness, preparing everyone for a fresh and vibrant start to the year.
A Night of Celebration
The fire-jumping ritual is followed by a festive gathering where nuts and fruits are served. These gatherings are especially meant for children., who delight in the joyous atmosphere filled with stories that will stay with them for a lifetime.
The Burial of Ashes
As the night progresses, the fires die out, and the ashes are gathered. Representing the bad luck brought by winter, these ashes are taken out of the house and buried in nearby fields. The person tasked with this ritual knocks upon their return:
“Who is it?”
“It is I.”
“Where are you coming from?”
“From a wedding”
“What are you bringing with you?”
“Happiness and mirth.”
Only after this exchange is the door opened, symbolizing the ushering in of joy and new beginnings.
Ancient Connections to Fire
Fire held significant meaning in ancient Iranian culture, and the Charshanbeh Suri fires were believed to guide the spirits of ancestors back to their homes to receive prayers and blessings. Traditionally, these fires were lit on rooftops, emphasizing their visibility and spiritual purpose.
Fire Jumping Accidents
In recent decades, there have been efforts to discontinue Charshanbeh Suri, citing injuries and accidents caused by fire and fireworks. While these concerns are valid, the celebration remains a cornerstone of Nowruz.
But still it is centeral role in the Nowruz season and plays important role, people still jump over fire and sing songs and celebrate this festival.
Qashoq Zani: An other form of Halloween
As part of the lively Charshanbeh Suri celebrations, there’s a fun and playful tradition called Qashoq Zani, which can be likened to Halloween in some ways. During this custom, children—sometimes joined by adults—visit their neighbors’ homes dressed in disguises, usually something like a full-body veil (chador) to keep their identities a mystery.
Collecting treats in Bowl
Each participant carries an empty metal bowl and a spoon. Once they arrive at a neighbor’s house, they start banging their spoons on the bowls and doors, creating a loud and cheerful sounds.The neighbor, hearing the noise, opens the door and fills each visitor’s bowl with treats, continuing the festive mood.
Silent and mysterious
Throughout the entire process, one important rule is maintained: the visitors must stay silent and anonymous. This adds an air of mystery to the tradition. It’s not just about getting treats; often, it’s also a special moment for boys and girls, who would normally have no chance to interact, to meet at the doorstep during this festive exchange.
Falgush ( a prediction about future)
Falgush is one of those little traditions that makes Charshanbeh Suri so fascinating. It’s all about mystery, hope, and a touch of suspense, especially for young unmarried women. Honestly, it’s simple but kind of magical.
What’s Falgush All About?
On the night of Charshanbeh Suri, young women gather quietly in dimly lit streets. They gather together, waiting to hear what strangers passing by are saying. They may also take signs from reading book of ferdusi.
The twist? The very first sentence they overhear is taken as a sign—or fal—about their future. Can you imagine the thrill of standing there, ears wide open, hoping for something good?
What They Hear Can Change Everything
The meaning of that one overheard sentence is huge. For example, a girl dreaming of getting married might hear, “There’s no way anyone would say no to such an offer.” You can bet she’d be over the moon, taking it as a sign of good things to come. But if she hears something like, “Do you think we didn’t try? It was like talking to a brick wall,” her excitement might vanish just as quickly.
Fall or prediction from Book of ferdousi
This also done at the time of new year, the Book of ferdousi is opened and the part that opens is considered as a sign, This is called fall or prediction . The poem part that opens is read and considered as sign of luck or badluck that year. This book is also called shahname,
Here is the link of book that can be read by ferdousi.
Tup-e Morvari: Tehran’s Pearl Cannon ( to manifest wishes)
Tup-e Morvari, or the “Pearl Cannon,” was a stunning cannon adorned with pearls, once housed in the Arg (citadel) of Tehran. On Charshanbeh Suri night, young women wishing to marry in the coming year would climb onto the cannon and walk underneath it, believing this act would make their wishes come true. (Hedayat, 1986, p.18. )
Gereh Gushai: The Knot of Fate
Gereh Gushai, or “knot undoing,” is a unique Charshanbeh Suri tradition for those struggling with unsolved problems. People facing a challenge will tie a knot in a shirt’s tail and stop the first passerby they encounter, asking them to undo it.
If the stranger is willing to untie the knot, it’s considered a positive omen, symbolizing that the problem may find resolution in the upcoming year. However, if the passerby refuses, it’s seen as a sign that the issue will persist. It’s a simple yet powerful way to connect with fate and the kindness of strangers.
Pishvaz-e Nowruz: (Our pains and misfortunes into the jar!)
pishvaz-e Nowruz is a meaningful tradition during Charshanbeh Suri, designed to ward off bad luck before the arrival of the new year.
Families prepare a new earthen jar, filling it with items like small coins, charcoal, wild rue seeds, and rock salt. As they fill the jar, they recite, “Our pains and misfortunes into the jar!”
The jar is then taken to the rooftop, and its contents are thrown onto the street with the declaration, “Our pains and misfortunes onto the street!” This symbolic gesture is believed to protect the family from evil forces in the coming year
Adding water to the jar helps the negative energy quickly absorb into the ground, completing the ritual of renewal and hope.
Shab-e Jom’e; A Meal of Blessings
On the Thursday night before Nowruz, families gather for a meal known as Shab-e Jom’e.
Enjoying this dish ensures the family will continue to have such meals regularly, at least once a week, in the coming year.
Sofre-ye Nowruz: The New Year’s Table
As Nowruz nears, families lay out a sofre, a large cloth, on the floor in the main room. The Sofre-ye Nowruz is adorned with items chosen for their symbolic meanings—health, prosperity, and happiness for the year ahead. Each piece on the table holds significance and is placed with care.
Candles: Light of Hope
Candles are placed on the Sofre-ye Nowruz to bring light and warmth into our lives. They represent chasing away the darkness and bad energy. The number of candles should match the number of children in the family, and sometimes an egg is put next to each one. It’s said to be bad luck to blow out the candles, so they should be left to burn out. In bigger celebrations, an open fire can replace the candles.
Holy Books: A Reminder of Faith
A holy book, depending on the family’s faith, is placed on the Sofre-ye Nowruz. It could be the Qur’an, the Avesta, the Bible, or the Torah. This book helps renew the family’s connection to their faith and serves as a reminder of the good that the new year will bring.
Haftsin: Seven Symbols for Prosperity
One of the key traditions of Nowruz is the Haftsin. Seven items are arranged in a special way, each starting with the Persian letter sin. These include:
- Sib (apple) for health,
- Somaq (sumac) for the sunrise,
- Sir (garlic) for strength,
- Samanu (wheat paste) for power,
- Senjed (jujube) for love,
- Serkeh (vinegar) for patience, and
- Siyahdaneh (sesame) for blessings.
Non-edible items like sekkeh (coins), sonbol (hyacinth), and spand (wild rue) are also sometimes added. Together, these items hope to bring a good and prosperous year.
