How to Persian New Year in the Bay Area
The Spring Equinox falls on March 19 this year. For some, (me, it’s me!) it’s an excuse to get together with friends for a lazy beach bonfire. For others, the equinox is for setting intentions and getting together with family. Persian New Year, called Nowruz is a time for renewal and celebration.
Not knowing a whole lot about Nowruz, but feeling ever curious, I called up my friend Beata Nazem Kelley. She is co-host of the Modern Persian Food Podcast with Bita Arabian. They were kind enough to curate a list of the best places for Persian Food in the Bay last year. Beata was more than happy to invite me over for a bowl of homemade Ash Reshteh and to take me through the traditions of Nowruz. She sat me down in a secret garden tucked away in NOPA and, as a good food mentor should, opened my eyes and tastebuds to a whole new experience. She described it in her own words below.
Beata Nazem Kelley sits at her table laid out for Persian New Year. All Photos by Vita Hewitt
Here is ‘How To ‘Persian New Year, by Beata Nazem Kelley
The spring equinox marks the first day of the Persian New Year, called Nowruz – meaning New Day. Persians around the world gather around a table setting of seven symbolic items starting with the letter “S” called a Sofreh Haft Seen, setting intentions of health, prosperity, love and light, for the year to come. It is the biggest holiday in the Persian culture lasting 13 days and concluding with a picnic outdoors.
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It is customary to go visit and pay respect to the elders of the community or family during this time and in return they may give you “aidie” in the form of crisp dollar bills or gifts.
The haft seen is anchored by a mirror and candelabra representing self-reflection and enlightenment,
There are always cookies present to pave the new year with sweetness.
A book of poetry, prayer, or stories such as the Shahnameh are present to pay homage to the ancient traditions and wisdom, alongside a bowl of decorated eggs and goldfish for hope and progress.
These are the 7 “S”s on my table and what they signify:
Sonbol (Hyacinth): the symbol of spring’s arrival.
Sabzeh (Sprouts/Grass): rebirth and growth.
Sekkeh (Coins): wealth and prosperity.
Serkeh (Vinegar): patience and aging
Senjed (Dried fruit of the Lotus Tree):love and affection
Seer (Garlic): health and medicine
Seeb (Apple): beauty and health
Somaq (Sumac): sunrise and the victory of light over darkness
Festive foods of the Nowruz season include dishes made from fresh herbs and bright greens. A favorite in my cross-cultural family is Ash Reshteh, which is a hearty herb, noodle, and bean soup. I like to combine American and Persian New Year traditions and add black eyed peas to my version. I top it with a fried mint and yogurt sauce and top it with caramelized onions.
Recipe link: https://beatseats.com/asheh-reshteh-persian-noodle-soup/
Podcast link for Ash Reshteh: https://modernpersianfood.com/episode-64-aash-reshteh/
You can wish Persians a happy new year by saying “Sahle No Mobrak” or “Nowruz Piruz”! Nowruz can be spelled Norooz or Nowrooz, but they all refer to the same holiday. Best wishes for a bright, healthy, and happy new year to all!
To hear more about Nowruz: https://modernpersianfood.com/episode-164-extra-sweet-nowruz-with-zozo-baking/
Where to celebrate Persian New Year in the Bay Area
Shahrzad Dance Company
Enjoy an interactive performance to celebrate the Persian New Year, featuring fire-jumping (no real flames) and more excitement.
2:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 27. Free. At S.F. Public Library, Portola branch, 380 Bacon St., S.F. 415-355-5660. Program repeats at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 27. Free. At S.F. Public Library, Sunset branch, 1305 18th Ave., S.F. 415-355-2808. https://sfpl.org
Sounds of SWANA Heritage with Sirvan Manhoobi
An afternoon musical performance will feature classical Iranian, Arabic and Kurdish music performed on traditional instruments including oud, setar and tanbour by Sirvan Manhoobi with percussionist Cina Dibay.
2 p.m. Sunday, March 31. Free. S.F. Public Library, Bayview branch, 5075 Third St., S.F. 415-355-5757. https://sfpl.org
Persian New Year Celebration
Celebrate the start of spring and a new year with sweet treats, music, poetry, dance and more.
6-7:30 p.m. Friday, March 22. Free. Benicia Library, 150 East L St., Benicia. 707-746-4343. https://benicialibrary.org
Light of Hope Trio
Based on the musical compositions of Saman Mahmoudi, Light of Hope offers a program focused on the idea of light shining through darkness featuring santourist/composer Mahmoudi, dancer Shahrzad Khorsandi and percussionist Nariman Assadi.
7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 23. $35-$40, reservations recommended. Central Stage, 5221 Central Ave., Richmond. 510-610-9146. https://centralstage.org/light-of-hope
Spring Party: Celebrating Persian New Year
A dance party with Persian, Euro, Top 40, Latin and international house beats from DJs Dr. T, Aykut, Mian and Turker; drums by Blue Peace Drummers. Must be 21 or older.
9 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Saturday-Sunday, March 23-24. $2-$50, reservations recommended. The Grand, 520 Fourth St., S.F. www.aykutevents.com
Nowruz Around the World
Welcome spring while exploring the customs and traditions of Persian New Year celebrations around the world. Enjoy live music and dance from San Jose’s Beshkan and Niosha Dance academies and storytime with Sepideh. Learn about the special Haft-sin table arrangement and enjoy hands-on holiday activities.
9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m. Sunday, March 24. Included with museum admission; reservations recommended. Children’s Discovery Museum, 180 Woz Way, San Jose. 408-298-5437. www.cdm.org
Nowruz Concert with Bay Area Persian Choir
Naser Sheikhzadegan conducts an evening program featuring the rich melodies and harmonies of traditional Persian music as well as new compositions and arrangements.
6 p.m. March 31. $30, reservations recommended. Central Stage, 5221 Central Ave., Richmond. https://centralstage.org
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