Nowruz, which means new day, is known in many countries as the beginning of the solar new year. In the calendar created by Omar Khayyam (1048 –1131), a Persian polymath, mathematician, astronomer, philosopher, and poet, the time of the beginning of the year and spring are accurately calculated, and in fact, the onset of Nowruz is the moment of the birth of spring and the new year.
This year the moment of spring birth and the beginning of Nowruz in Tehran time is: Saturday 20 March 2021, 13:07:28
On this day, families gather at a particular table, the components of which are seven natural substances, each of which symbolizes one thing. In different cultures, these symbols may be slightly other, but the most common view is this:
Sabzeh (سبزه): Sprouting /Grass: the symbol of rebirth and growth.
Samanu (سمنو): Samanu: the symbol of power and strength.
Senjed (سنجد): Elaeagnus angustifolia: the symbol of love.
Somāq (سماق): Sumac: the symbol of sunrise.
Serkeh (سرکه): Vinegar: the symbol of patience.
Seeb (سیب): Apple: the symbol of beauty.
Seer (سیر): Garlic: the symbol of health.
At Nowruz, the beginning of spring is celebrated with poetry, song, and dance. Children eagerly visit the elderly, and the elderly welcome them with special sweets and gifts.
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To commemorate World Nowruz Day, the United Nations mentions Nowruz on its website:
Nowruz plays a significant role in strengthening the ties among peoples based on mutual respect and the ideals of peace and good neighbourliness. Its traditions and rituals reflect the cultural and ancient customs of the civilizations of the East and West, which influenced those civilizations through the interchange of human values.
Celebrating Nowruz means the affirmation of life in harmony with nature, awareness of the inseparable link between constructive labour and natural cycles of renewal and a solicitous and respectful attitude towards natural sources of life.
Message of United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the International Day of Nowruz, 21 March 2021:
Dear friends,
Each year, Nowruz marks a new beginning.
Last year, the Nowruz celebration coincided with the early days of an unprecedented and devastating global pandemic.
This year, the Nowruz spirit is more vital than ever.
Solidarity between communities and generations is more crucial than ever.
Our promise in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to leave no one behind is more essential than ever.
Today, we can start to see light at the end of the tunnel.
As the world comes together to defeat COVID-19, Nowruz serves as an inspiration to recover and rebuild in a more just and durable way, in harmony with nature.
I offer my best wishes to everyone marking Nowruz.
May this day advance happiness, health and harmony to all.