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Nowruz, the celebration of the Iranian new year, takes place at the spring equinox, around 20 or 21 March. Iranians living in Germany also keep this beautiful tradition alive every year by setting the Haft-Sin table, visiting one another and holding group celebrations.
The Haft-Sin table
Haft-Sin consists of seven symbols whose names all begin with the letter “S”:
- Sabzeh – symbol of growth and freshness
- Samanu – symbol of blessing
- Senjed – symbol of love
- Sir – symbol of health
- Sib – symbol of beauty
- Somagh – symbol of the sunrise
- Serkeh – symbol of patience
A mirror, candle, goldfish, coloured eggs, coins and the Divan of Hafez are also usually placed on the table.
Preparing Nowruz items in Germany
Samanu, senjed (oleaster), goldfish and Nowruz sweets can be found in the weeks before Nowruz at Iranian supermarkets and pastry shops. You can grow the sabzeh (sprouts) at home from wheat or lentils about two weeks before Nowruz.
Celebrations and gatherings
- Iranian cultural associations in many cities hold Nowruz and Chaharshanbe Suri celebrations.
- Many Iranian restaurants offer a special Nowruz menu, such as sabzi polo with fish; book early for New Year’s Eve.
- Sizdah Bedar is also celebrated by families in parks and in nature around the cities.
Happy Nowruz!
