Falisha Kurji & Mahima Kathiria Pd. 13 Nawroz: The Persian New Year Nawroz means “new day” in Persian Nawroz is a holiday that’s over 3,000 years old and can be dated back to Zoroastrian times. The New Year is usually held on the Spring Equinox around March 21st every year to celebrate rebirth and a new beginning. It’s celebrated by people in Iran and South Asia. The festival usually lasts from March 18-24th In Iran, it’s the biggest festival of the year. Bonfires are lit in the streets, houses are repainted, new clothes are purchased, hair is cut, and friendships are renewed to have a good start to the new year. “The Seven S’s” Each home lays out an array of foods or the haft sin: Sabzeh- sprouted wheat for rebirth Sir- garlic for health Samanu- a dense syrup for strength Somaq-sumac seeds for the sunrise and light Senjid- wild lotus tree fruit for love Sib- an apple for beauty Serkeh- vinegar for age and patience Also on the table are symbolic decorations like decorated eggs for fertility, books for wisdom, goldfish in a bowl for good luck, sweets for hospitality, and blooming flowers for love. Nawroz Foods Sabzeh polow ba mahi is an herbed rice with fish and scallops and it’s usually the main dish for the first night of Nowroz. Nawroz Foods Kuku-ye sebzeh is an herb omelet made with greens similar to the Italian frittatta. The amount of herbs exceeds the egg omelet flavor so it has a distinct taste. Kuku-ye sebzeh is often served with bread, rice, or yogurt. Nawroz Foods Dolma Stuffed Grape Leaves A gourmet dish, chosen by the Persians to done on during Nawroz (New Year). It contains meat, rice, and spices wrapped up in cabbage leaves or vines. Nawroz Foods Baklava A thin crusted desert filled with filo dough. It is eaten throughout the Middle east and Mediterranean. Baklava can be made with various versatile ingredients for example nuts and honey. Thanks for listening! Picture Bibliography turmericsaffron.blogspot.com mypersiankitchen.com http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-yourown-dolmas-94990 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baklava Information Bibliography http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-yourown-dolmas-94990 http://allrecipes.com/recipe/baklava/ http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2010/ 03/a-persian-new-year-feast-from-herbs-toeggs/37904/ http://www.unz.org/Pub/AtlanticWeb-2010mar01080