Spring equinox and Persian new year: Celebrating the Norooz in the mountains

Today marks the first day of the Persian new year (Norooz) and the arrival of spring in the northern (spring equinox) hemisphere. This post is about the excitement of the changing season and my experience with the beautiful tradition of Norooz.

PERSONAL REFLECTIONSWORK & CRAFT

3/20/20262 min read

Woman sitting on the floor holding a red apple beside a decorated table
Woman sitting on the floor holding a red apple beside a decorated table

This is the first day of spring. I am so excited to put an end to the cold, white winter season in the mountains. Here, winter is more intense than at lower altitudes. I cannot wait to feel the warm sunrays on my face and walk on the ground again instead of deep, deep snow or ice.

Today is also the first day of the Persian new year. It begins at an exact moment when the sun shines directly over the equator, marking the spring equinox. I have always been fascinated by how different cultures base important dates on celestial objects like stars, moons, and planets.

This year, I decided to celebrate the arrival of spring through the Persian new year (Norooz). I followed an old Persian tradition and made decorations inspired by both ancient practices. This tradition is called the 7-sin table. It includes seven elements that start with the letter “S,” arranged on a table where family members gather at the exact moment the year changes.

Below are some photos I took of my 7-sin table.

I hope this year brings sweetness and happiness to all cultures that celebrate Norooz, and a beautiful spring season for everyone living in the northern hemisphere 😇

Take care and talk soon 😊

Hands cutting shapes from rolled cookie dough on a silicone mat with pistachios nearby.
Hands cutting shapes from rolled cookie dough on a silicone mat with pistachios nearby.
Small shaped cookies on a parchment-lined tray being placed into the oven
Small shaped cookies on a parchment-lined tray being placed into the oven
Round cookies with pistachios and seeds on a tray being placed into the oven
Round cookies with pistachios and seeds on a tray being placed into the oven

I made some coockies ☺️

Haft-seen table with candles, apple, dates, cookies, book, and plants on a coffee table
Haft-seen table with candles, apple, dates, cookies, book, and plants on a coffee table
Couple sitting on a couch behind a decorated table, smiling at the camera
Couple sitting on a couch behind a decorated table, smiling at the camera
Couple smiling and clinking glasses, seated behind a decorated table
Couple smiling and clinking glasses, seated behind a decorated table

Cheers :)

7-Sin table

Happy Norooz ans Spring 😃