This blog is written by our staff member, Afsaneh Nasiri
What is Nowruz?
Persian New Year, known as Nowruz (meaning “new day” in Persian), is one of the oldest continuously celebrated holidays in the world, with roots going back more than 3,000 years to ancient Persia. Celebrated at the exact moment of the spring equinox (this year March 20th at 7:46 AM) Nowruz marks the beginning of spring and symbolizes renewal, rebirth, and harmony with nature. People from Iran, Central Asia, The Middle East, and beyond are celebrating Nowruz.
How do you Celebrate Nowruz?
A central tradition of Nowruz is the Haft-Seen table, a beautifully arranged display of seven items that begin with the Persian letter “س” (Seen). Each item carries symbolic meaning, such as sabzeh (sprouted greens) for rebirth, seeb (apple) for health, seer (garlic) for protection, senjed (dried oleaster fruit) for love, somāq for the color of sunrise, serkeh (vinegar) for patience, and samanu for strength and abundance. The table is often completed with a mirror, candles, painted eggs, goldfish, poetry by Hafez, and the Qur’an or Shahnameh, reflecting spiritual and cultural values.
Nowruz celebrations include joyful customs such as Chaharshanbe Suri, the festival of fire held on the last Wednesday before Nowruz, where people jump over small fires while wishing for health and vitality. Families also observe Did-o-Bazdid, visiting elders and loved ones to exchange good wishes. Children traditionally receive Eidi, small gifts or money, as a symbol of blessing.
The celebrations last 13 days, ending with Sizdah Bedar, a day spent outdoors in nature, where families picnic, laugh, and release their sabzeh into flowing water—symbolizing letting go of bad luck and embracing the future.
Nowruz is more than a holiday; it is a cultural celebration of peace, unity, respect for nature, and the renewal of life. Nowruz brings together people of many cultures, religions, and backgrounds in a shared celebration of hope and new beginnings.
Nowruz at San Jose Public Library
The San José Public Library has been celebrating Nowruz for the past 10 years, and this year proudly marks our 10th anniversary. Below are some photos of past celebrations. We look forward to celebrating Nowruz with our community on March 14, 2026, at San José City Hall.
🌱 Happy Nowruz! May the new year bring light, joy, and prosperity to all.
To help celebrate Nowruz, SJPL is offering Cultural events and craft programs:
Read more about Nowruz
Happy Nowruz
"Nowruz - the Persian New Year - is one of the world's great festivals, a full month of activities celebrating the earth, the arrival of spring, and the rebirth of nature. Most of all, it is a festival for families. Children and adults alike can share in preparing special meals, decorating the house, and performing the many ceremonies that welcome the New Year. This book is a guide to customs thousands of years old yet as vital as ever - enjoyable for families no matter where they live or what their beliefs. Happy Nowruz offers twenty-five fun, easy, and innovative Nowruz recipes, with lots of photos to show you what to do." -- from Happy Nowruz
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