5 Reasons To Celebrate Nowruz Even If You’re Not Iranian

Here are 5 reasons to celebrate Nowruz even if you're not Iranian. This ancient Persian tradition is part of Iranian culture and is loved by many around the world. 

Nowruz (pronounced No-Rooz) is a Persian word literally meaning “New Day." It’s a celebration for the new year that starts with the first day of spring. You could call it a traditional spring festival. Many people around the world including residents of Iran, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan celebrate it every year.

All the reasons to celebrate Nowruz

Indeed, Nowruz is the celebration of winter ending and spring starting. It marks the vernal equinox which is the first day of spring in the northern hemisphere. If you have an Iranian friend, you have definitely heard that this is the most important day of the year. Here are 5 reasons for your to celebrate Persian new year even if you’re not Iranian:

1. It’s the beginning of spring: Trees grow new leaves and they’re filled with blossoms. Everything is fresh and the weather is perfect for celebration. It’s a new season and the earth is re-born, why not celebrate it?
2. Another celebration: We really don’t need a reason to celebrate another happy day, right? If it’s a happy occasion, we’re celebrating! We all need another happy day in our lives. 
3. Food: We will dive into this later, but let me just tell you that the dishes made for this day are among the most delicious Persian dishes! Think delicious fish and rice, different kinds of sweets and cookies such as Persian coconut cookies (shirini nargili) and walnut cookies (pofaki gerdooyi), and more!
4. Diversity: Celebrate diversity! We are closer to each other than ever thanks to technology and it’s so easy to enjoy all of the world’s cultures. Open yourself up to more opportunities to learn about other cultures and celebrations - you might like them! 
5. Gatherings: Nowruz is all about family and friends. Gathering with loved ones is a true ritual of Persian new year. Nothing’s better than celebrating the arrival of a new year with people you love to spend every year with! 

If this is your first Nowruz, welcome to this heartfelt celebration! May spring bring all of us hope and happiness!