Celebrations

Nowruz Traditions — Haft-Sin Table, Chaharshanbe Suri & Sizdah Bedar

سنت‌های نوروز — سفره هفت‌سین، چهارشنبه‌سوری و سیزده‌بدر

Nowruz traditionsHaft-Sinهفت‌سینChaharshanbe Suriچهارشنبه‌سوریSizdah Bedarسیزده‌بدرPersian New Year traditionsIranian New YearHaft-Sin table items

Chaharshanbe Suri (Red Wednesday) is the fire festival on the last Tuesday night before Nowruz. Iranians light bonfires and jump over them chanting 'Zardie man az to, sorkhie to az man' — 'Give me your redness and health, take my paleness and sickness.' The practice predates Zoroastrianism and represents purification by fire.

The Haft-Sin table is set during the 13 days of Nowruz celebrations. Seven items beginning with 'S' (Sin) in Persian: Sabzeh (wheat sprouts — rebirth), Samanu (sweet pudding — affluence), Senjed (dried jujube — love), Sir (garlic — medicine), Sib (apple — beauty), Somaq (sumac — sunrise), Serkeh (vinegar — patience). Additional items include a goldfish bowl, mirror, candles, coins, painted eggs, and often a Quran or Divan of Hafez.

Sizdah Bedar (13th Bedar — Getting Away from 13) on the 13th day of Farvardin is Iran's Nature Day — Iranians go on outdoor picnics, spend the day in nature, and tie blades of grass in knots while wishing for a spouse or good fortune, then throw the sabzeh into flowing water to take away bad luck.

Related Historical Events

Related Persian Words

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the seven items on the Haft-Sin table?

Sabzeh (sprouts), Samanu (pudding), Senjed (jujube), Sir (garlic), Sib (apple), Somaq (sumac), and Serkeh (vinegar) — all beginning with the Persian letter 'Sin'.

What happens on Sizdah Bedar?

Sizdah Bedar (Day 13 of Nowruz) is Iran's Nature Day. Families spend the day outdoors in parks or nature, believing being outside removes the bad luck of the number 13. They tie grass knots for wishes.