Nowruz, the Persian New Year, is a time of renewal, family gatherings, and rich traditions. If you're learning Persian or simply curious about the festival, knowing these key words will deepen your understanding of the celebrations. Here’s a guide to the most important Persian terms associated with Nowruz.
Core Nowruz Vocabulary
Nowruz
/noʊˈruːz/“New Day”
The Persian New Year, celebrated on the spring equinox (around March 20–21). It marks the first day of Farvardin, the first month of the Iranian solar calendar.
Haft Sin
/hæft siːn/“Seven S's”
A traditional table setting for Nowruz featuring seven items that start with the Persian letter 'س' (Sin). These usually include:
- Sabzeh (wheat or lentil sprouts)
- Sib (apple)
- Senjed (dried oleaster fruit)
- Sir (garlic)
- Somāq (sumac)
- Serkeh (vinegar)
- Samanu (sweet wheat pudding)
Chahārshanbe Suri
/tʃæhɑːrˈʃænbe suːˈriː/“Festive Wednesday”
The fire-jumping festival held on the eve of the last Wednesday before Nowruz. People light bonfires and leap over them, chanting “Zardi-ye man az to, sorkhi-ye to az man” (“My yellowness to you, your redness to me”), symbolising the passing of sickness to the fire and receiving warmth in return.
Greetings and Well-Wishes
Sal-e No Mobārak
/sæl e no moˈbɑːræk/“Happy New Year”
The most common Nowruz greeting, meaning “Happy New Year.”
Eid-e Shomā Mobārak
/eɪd e ʃoˈmɑː moˈbɑːræk/“Happy Holiday to You”
A polite way to wish someone a happy Nowruz, often used when addressing elders or in formal settings.
Eid Didani
/eɪd diːdɑːˈniː/“New Year Visits”
The tradition of visiting family and friends during Nowruz. Younger family members typically visit elders first.
Food and Gifts
Sizdah Bedar
/sizˈdæh beˈdɑːr/“Thirteenth Outing”
The 13th day of Farvardin, when families picnic outdoors to avoid bad luck (associated with the number 13). The sabzeh from the Haft Sin is thrown into running water, symbolising the disposal of misfortune.
Eidi
/eɪˈdiː/“New Year Gift”
Money or small gifts given to children and younger relatives during Nowruz visits.
Ajil
/æˈdʒiːl/“Nuts and Dried Fruits”
A mix of nuts, dried fruits, and sweets served to guests during Nowruz visits.
Nowruz is more than just a New Year celebration - it’s a cultural cornerstone. Whether you’re attending a Haft Sin gathering or exchanging Eidi, these words will help you connect with Persian traditions.
For more Persian vocabulary, check out our guides on essential Persian words for describing Iranian architecture or the most beautiful Persian words for nature.
