Traditions & Symbols
What is traditional sweets we usually eat on novruz?
Shakarbura, baklava, qoqal
Which Novruz pastry is shaped like a crescent moon
Shakarbura
Which character has a bald head and is known for being tricky and fast-talking?
Kechel (the bald one)
What is the name of the traditional sport where two wrestlers compete during Novruz festivities?
: Chovgan (or Gulesh).
What is "Gulag falti" (Ear divination)?
Eavesdropping on a neighbor’s door; the first word you hear is said to predict your future for the year.
What does the word "Novruz" actually mean?
New day
What is the name of the festive rice dish that is often the centerpiece of the Novruz dinner?
Plov
Which character has a long beard and represents the old winter that is leaving?
Kosa
What do children do with their hats or "papakhs" at their neighbors' doors?
They leave them on the doorstep, hide, and wait for the neighbors to fill them with sweets (Papakh-atdi).
Why do people jump over the bonfire three or seven times?
To leave their "heaviness" and bad luck in the fire and start fresh.
What is the name of the green sprouted wheat that is the main symbol of the holiday
Samani
Which spiced, multi-layered sweet represents the stars or the sky?
Paklava
What is the name of the traditional circle dance performed at Novruz festivals?
Yalli
In the "Egg Cracking" game, what happens if your egg breaks?
You lose, and usually, the winner gets to keep your broken egg!
True or False: It is considered good luck to argue or get angry on the day of Novruz.
False (You must be kind and make peace with everyone).
How many "Tuesdays" (Chaharshanbe) are traditionally celebrated leading up to Novruz? And name them
: Four (representing Water, Fire, Earth, and Wind).
Which round, yellow pastry is made with turmeric and represents the Sun?
Gogal
While everyone knows the four elements, what is the specific name of the very last Tuesday before Novruz in Azerbaijan?
Akhir chershamba
Which activity involves tied ropes and is a favorite for children in the villages?
Riding on a swing (Yallı or swinging on large ropes).
Who usually does the all fortunes and magic in novruz
Girls between 16-25 years
What is the traditional activity involving a bonfire during Novruz?
Jumping over the fire to "burn away" the troubles of the past year.
What is the special metal tool used to carve intricate patterns into the dough of a Shekerbura?
Maggash
In Central Asian countries like Uzbekistan or Kyrgyzstan, what is the name of the main ritual dish made in a giant cauldron?
Sumalak
Who are the "Pahlavans" seen at Novruz celebrations?
Strongmen who perform feats of strength, like lifting heavy weights or bending iron.
What we should do on novruz
We should visit our relatives, and be kind to every one