Norooz

A Celebration of Spring!

What is Norooz?

In a country called Iran, far across the world, people celebrate the New Year on the first day of spring, when everything starts anew. The trees will grow new leaves, the flowers new petals, and the grass new greenery. They call this day, ``Norooz,`` or ``New Day.`` Persian people have celebrated this day for at least three thousand years.!

Pronunciation Guide to Words in the Book

Norooz – no-rooz

(“New Day” or New Year)

Iran – ee-ron

Chahar Shanbeh Soori – cha-har shan-beh sue-ree

(The Wednesday evening celebration before Norooz)

Sorkhi-e toe az man, zardi-e man az toe – sor-khee-eh toe az man, zar-dee eh man az toe

(“Give me your vibrant (red) color and take my pale (yellow) color away!”)

Qashohg-zany – ghosh-ogh zah-nee

(“Spoon beating”)

Haji Firouz – ha-jee fee-rooz

(A man dressed in red satin, dancing and singing songs in the streets to announce the coming New Year)

Haft Seen – haft-seen

(Seven “s” table)

Sabzeh – sab-zay

(Wheat or lentils grown in a tray or dish, representing rebirth)

Seer – sear

(Garlic)

Somaq – soo-magh

(Sumac)

Serkeh – ser-kay

(Vinegar)

Sonbol – sown-bowl

(The Hyacinth flower)

Sekkeh – sek-kay

(Coins)

Shirini – sheer-een-ee

(Sugar cookies and pastries)

Divan-e Hafez – Dee-vah-nee Hah-fez

(A book of famous Persian poetry)

Aideh Shomah Mobarak – aid-eh show-mah mo-bah-rack

(Happy New Year!)

Aide – aid-ee

(A gift of new paper money or shiny coins)

Sabzi Polo Mahi – sabzee poe-low ma-hee

(A meal of fish and rice with herbs)

Kookoo Sabzi – kookoo sabzee

(A delicious dish, similar to quiche, made with various greens, herbs and eggs.)

Seezdeh Bedar – seez-deh beh-dar

(Going out on the thirteenth.)

Birthday page

See when your birthday is on the Persian calendar!
Did you know that the Persian months correspond with the dates of the astrological signs or horoscopes?

Gregorian Calendar

Date:	Year: Month: Day:
Time:	::
	Weekday:

Date:	Year: Month: Day: Weekday:

Date:
Hebrew month:

Date:
Weekday:

Persian Calendar

Date:	Year: Month: Day:
	Weekday:
	Astrological Symbol:

Date:
Weekday:

Date:	Weekday:

Date:	Année de la République Mois de Décade Jour

Coloring Pages

Click on an image below to download a printable PDF of the coloring page!

Where is Norooz Celebrated?

Norooz is a non-religious holiday that originated in Iran (Persia), but because of the migration of Persians throughout history, it is also celebrated by people from many other areas, including Afghanistan, Eastern Turkey, Kazakhstan, and even Los Angeles!
While Norooz is celebrated in many regions of the world, including parts of China, India, and Japan, the countries/regions below list Norooz as an official state holiday!