This past weekend was Spring Equinox. It was also a special holiday that we celebrate in our little family. It is the Persian New Year, Nowruz(also novruz, nowruz, nauruz and newroz. norooz).It is a time of year for community, reflection, cleaning, starting over, and healing. I loved this piece I read about Nowruz recently:
Nowruz is less about a single day than a general celebration of being able to wipe away the dust, grime, and sadness of the old in order to start anew. It’s about closing the door on one chapter and turning the page to the next one with excitement instead of trepidation. It’s about the endless possibilities that come with a blank slate.
The hope of being able to start new, and better, is about as universal as they come — which might explain why Nowruz hasn’t just survived through generation upon generation of tumult and prosperity alike, but thrived.
Nowruz is a combination of words نو now—meaning "new"—and روز ruz—meaning "day". A time where you deep clean your apartment, visit your friends and family, and create your haft seen:
sabze — sprouts (grass) : renewal
Samanu — sweet pudding : affluence
Senjed — Persian olive : love
Serke — vinegar : patience
Sib —Apple : beauty
Sir — garlic : health
Sumac — Persian spice : sunrise
The table may include a mirror (reflection), candles(enlightenment), painted eggs(fertility), goldfish(life), coins (prosperity), hyacinth(Spring), and traditional sweets(sweetness). A book of wisdom or poetry (faith and heritage)is often included. We were lucky enough to have a virtual Nowruz party and “see” some friends.
During this time of doors opening and closing, starting over, and figuring out how to teach ballet online in one week, I investigated the Greek God: Janus. Seems appropriate for this moment we are all collectively sharing. Spring has sprung, new beginnings, and challenging transitions are upon us. I’ve always been terrible at accepting change and going with the flow; “slowing my roll” as Deborah once told me, is not part of my natural constitution. This has been a time for me to clean out my closet, connect with friends, start healing, and trying to accept my (un)changing landscape. I’m gonna need a LOT of serke and an inner Janus to get me through it—here’s to hoping we all survive these tumultuous situations and thrive. How are you thriving in this moment?
Recipe of the week: A traditional salad for Nowruz
advise is a traditional Persian spice you can omit.