Nowruz has its roots in Zoroastrianism, the ancient religion of the Persian Empire, and has been celebrated for millennia by various cultures, in countries and regions as diverse as Central Asia, the Caucasus, parts of the Middle East, and even parts of the Balkans. It is a time for families and communities to come together, celebrate life, and honor nature’s renewal. The festival embodies a range of symbolic meanings, with themes of rebirth, hope, and the balance of nature. For Iranians and many others in the region, Nowruz is not just a time of celebration but also a spiritual renewal. It signifies the removal of the old and the welcome of the new—both in nature and within the soul.
