Knowles means “new day” in the Persian and local languages of the country that celebrates it, marking the first day of the Persian calendar and falling at the same time as Spring Equinox (usually March 20th or 21st). Although its roots are in Iranian ancient history and Central Asian countries before the arrival of Islam, Iranians embrace elements of Islam like fellow Muslims in Central Asian countries, and celebrate it with copies of Holy Khulan from HAFT, who saw the seven “S” table screens.
Knowles are widely observed in areas influenced by Persian cultures, such as Iran, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan and Central Asian countries (Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and more).
Iran:
Nowruz is widely believed to be rooted in Zoroastrianism, one of the world’s oldest monotheist religions to emerge in Iran today. With the advent of Islam in the 7th century, Zoroastrians were gradually eradicated, but their principles, including deep respect for the four elements of nature, maintained and gave birth to this holiday, which has been praised by millions across the majority of Muslim regions.
In Iran, preparations for the new year begin at least a month before the holiday season begins.
Iranians also begin cultivating sabze (wheatgrass or lentil buds) for the tables that Haft saw, about 20 days before the spring equinox.
Haft-seen is a symbolic ritual in Persian that means “seven things that begin with the letter “Seed.” In Islam and ancient Persian Bibles, number 7 is extremely important.
Reports on news television say that ancient Persian traditions say knowles mark the victory of good over evil. It is also thought to symbolize the bond between humanity, nature and God.
The festival is also associated with Imam Ali Ibn Abi Talib (AS). Many believe that the first Shiite Imam was born and envisioned a caliphate on this day.
Legend has it that the gift of Falda, a sweet rose-flavored dessert, was sent to Imam Ali (AS) of Knowles. When he learned the reason for the gift, he announced, “Let every day become nowruz.”
Nowruz in Asia and Central Asian countries:
The basics of Nowruz are the same, but countries celebrate it with their own unique traditions and spell it out slightly differently. Crossing Central Asia, Nowruz is ingrained in nomadic traditions. Nowruz is celebrated in all five countries: Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.
Azerbaijan:
Azerbaijan festivals were not permitted during the Soviet era, and it was not until the 1990s that Knowles were reopened until the 1990s. The traditions of the Central Asian region have similar characteristics (think plenty of food, family gatherings, colorful street festivals, nomadic sports).
Reminiscences of Azerbaijan’s Zoroastrian past are found everywhere in Azerbaijan, whether it’s a temple of fire, a burning hillside or a flame-shaped skyscraper. “Novrus” was suffocated here under the Soviet regime, but the family continued to celebrate in secret, but today it is the most enjoyable date on the Azeri calendar. The festival begins early. The four Tuesdays to Novrus celebrate four elements: water, fire, earth and air.
Kids knocking on the door for snacks is an important part of Nowruz. Children leave hats and bags at the door in hopes of receiving candies and desserts such as Shekalvera or Paclava.
Kazakhstan:
Nowliz is a very important holiday for Kazakhs and marks the beginning of the new year. It will be celebrated for several days starting March 21st, the equinox day of spring. Nowris means “new day” and is celebrated in the great ancient grasslands.
In Kazakhstan, the nowiz is marked by the Feltpao (traditional nomadic house) building, in which the Dustalkan (food table) is laid out. A hearty soup made using seven ingredients, Nauryz Koje is almost always on the table. In Kyrgyzstan, giant water containers are brought into the house on the eve of “Nurs” to symbolize health. Traditional sports like wrestling, horse racing and board games are all customary when it comes to celebrations in the area.
Afghanistan:
Afghanistan is considered a spiritual home for celebrations. Afghanistan has traditionally announced the New Year in a similar way to its neighbors. It is widely believed that the province of Balkh is the spiritual home of “Nourus.” Although contested, Zoroastrian, an ancient Iranian prophet who founded the Zoroastrians, is said to have been the first to preach when he lived in Balkh, one of the oldest cities in the world.
Traditionally, Afghans have traveled to Mazar y Sharif city in Balkh province and attended the Gri Suruk festival. Nowroz’s main event commemorates the first 40 days of the year, when the Green Plains are full of red tulips. With Taliban rule reviving in 2021 across many parts of Afghanistan, it is unclear whether Nowroz can be safely observed within the country.
Buzkasi, Afghanistan’s national sport, is a popular habit among Nouros. It’s somewhat similar to a polo, but instead of the ball, the horse-riding players operate the goat’s headless, unembodied body. During the east feast of Nouros in Afghanistan, expect to find Kolche Nouroji (biscuits made from rice flour), Sabji charow (ram curry with spinach and lamb curry), and hash mewa, a fruit salad made with seven different dried fruits and nuts soaked in syrup.
Tajikistan:
In fact, Tajikistan’s biggest annual celebration is Nowruz. For Tajik, knowurs represents a festival of friendship and the renewal of all living creatures. Like Persian tradition, Tajik will jump over the fire this year on Wednesday (Chaharshanbe Suri).
One of the oldest Knowledge traditions in Tajikistan is a collection of wild flowers by village children. Dressed in colorful outfits, children walk around, knock on people’s doors, and introduce flowers to their neighbors while reciting old songs. This customization takes place a week before Nowruz.
Throughout the New Year’s celebration, families gather to make delicious staples such as traditional pastries such as paklava, sherbra and gogal (representing the stars, moon and sun respectively), prof (delicate delicious staples such as saffron-infused meat and rice plates, dolma (grape leaves stuffed with lamb, rice and herbs) and fragrant kebabs.
Like Iran, there is also a table of seven “S” items. All of these are centered around Semeni (wheat buds tied together with a red ribbon). Holidays are especially loved by the kids here. The kids want to hide and throw hats at the neighbor’s door and return to their hats filled with sweets and chocolate.
Uzbekistan:
Nablus Holiday in Uzbekistan is one of the most beloved, colorful and fun celebrations in the country. It will be celebrated on March 21st. Spring equestrians are equally sunlight and dark. Its history dates back over 3,000 years to Kolasan province in northeastern Iran, and eventually extends to West and Central Asia.
Navruz in Uzbekistan is closely linked to new hopes and expectations. Many believe that good deeds will bring good fortune next year, and therefore everyone will try to forgive their enemies, avoid arguments, and extend their help to those in need on vacation. It is customary to welcome many guests into your home and visit others in return.
Another symbol associated with the traditional Uzbekistan New Year is rich and the keenest experienced quality in baking and sharing holiday treats. As the holidays roll, the table is packed with special homemade dishes – delicious pies, spinach, flake-like samus stuffed with fragrant profiles, Uzbekistani national cuisine is customarily prepared in cauldrons steamed over fire. Traditionally, seven special dishes have been served as further symbols of good fortune for the following months.
MNA