Nowtuz Basics
What does “Nowruz” mean?
New Day
When is Nowruz celebrated?
On the spring equinox
What cleaning tradition is done before Nowruz?
Deep spring cleaning
Name one herby dish eaten during Nowruz.
Kookoo sabzi (herby frittata)
How old is Nowruz?
Over 3000 years
What kind of festival is Nowruz?
Ancient Persian festival
What does Nowruz symbolize?
Renewal, rebirth, hope, and fresh beginnings after the dark of winter
What happens with broken or worn items before Nowruz and why?
They are replaced; otherwise considered bad luck
Name one rice and fish dish eaten during Nowruz.
Sabzi polo ba mahi (rice with herbs and fried fish)
What does jumping over fire before Nowruz symbolize?
Letting go of bad luck
How many people celebrate Nowruz?
Over 300 million
How long does the Nowruz celebration last?
13 days
Who usually receives gifts and money during Nowruz?
Kids
Name one rice and noodle dish eaten during Nowruz.
Reshteh polo (aromatic rice and noodles)
What does painting eggs represent?
New life
Name 2 countries where Nowruz is celebrated.
Iran, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan
Which regions’ people celebrate Nowruz?
West and Central Asia
Name two types of music during Nowruz
Poetry, folk music or cultural music
Name one rice-based dish from Central Asia eaten during Nowruz.
Plov
Is Nowruz older or younger compared to Easter and Christmas?
Older than Easter and Christmas
Why do people celebrate Nowruz?
To welcome the spring equinox
Name all the countries listed that celebrate Nowruz.
Iran, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan
What activity do some families do involving eggs?
Paint eggs
Name two types of stuffed dishes eaten during Nowruz.
Fragrant kebabs and dolma (stuffed vine leaves)
What do all the foods on the table have in common, and how many are on the table?
They all start with the letter "S," and there are 7 foods.