Nowruz marks the first day of the Spring Equinux and the beginning of the year in the Persian Calendar. The celebration, recognized by many civilizations in the Middle East, Central and South Asia (and increasingly here in the United States), has its 3,000-year-old roots in ancient Iran. Persian Americans gather with friends and family at this special time for year for spring cleaning, sprucing up their wardrobes, feasting and visiting one another, over a 13 day festive period.
“Haft-seen,” is the name given to a household's Nowruz table, laden with seven symbolic items for rebirth, affluence, love, health, beauty, the sunrise and patience. Here is a beautiful example of the ceremonial table I was most fortunate to view in person at the home and winery of Pari and Kamal Azari, of Azari Vineyards, on Spring Hill Road, in Petaluma.
The number seven has been sacred in Iran since the ancient times. Main items on the table are: Somagh (sumac) : symbolizes the color of sunrise, Serkeh (vinegar): symbolizing age and patience, Senjed (dried fruit from lotus tree): symbolizing love, Samanoo (sweet pudding): symbolizing affluence, Sabzeh (sprouts): symbolizing rebirth, Sib (apple): symbolizing health and beauty, Sir (garlic): symbolizing medicine. Other items are: Sekkeh (coin): symbolizing wealth and prosperity, Sonbol (hyacinth): a spring spring flower.
One of the primary festivities during this most important holiday of the Persian year is that of jumping over a bonfire for ‘Chahr-Shanbeh Souri’ - shakinh off the darkness of winter and welcoming the lightness of spring. This Persian ritual has been passed down since ancient Zoroastrian times.
The Persian New Year Festival is called Chahar-Shanbeh Souri, which literally means ‘ Eve of Wednesday’ because the festival is always held on the last Tuesday of winter, just before the Vernal Equinox or first moment of spring.
In Iran (and parts of Afghanistan and India), it is the custom to light bonfires in front of homes throughout the neighborhood and jump over them as the sun is setting. Come Spring time in Los Angeles, where there are over half a million people in the Iranian community, bonfires in the front yard are not a good idea with the threat of forest fires - many families gather on the beaches for their New Year festival activities.
Here in Sonoma County, the Azari's and their guests had little to worry about when lighting festive New Year 2014 flames in a sturdy, protected firepit on their Tasting Room patio, as much-awaited rain fell softly to mark the arrival of a lush, green, rustic Spring panorama over rolling hills and vines.
Highlight of the Persian New Year celebrations at Azari Vineyards was a performance by all-female a-capella, classically trained singing group Banu, led by Maryam Akhondy (pictured below, center in blue), from Tehran. This renowned and extraordinary group has been touring Europe for the past few years.
Guests enjoyed traditional Norwuz buffet fayre, an extensive array of delicious Persian dishes, teas and a special Nowruz Tasting Flight of Azari 2008 cool climate Pinot Noir and Shiraz.
Nowruz is one of the rare occasions that brings Jews, Muslims, Christians, Baha’is and Zoroastrians of Iranian background together around the world in a spirit of renewal and betterment of the community. What a wonderful way to press pause for an afternoon in contemplation of the beauty of Spring.
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