-
Nowruz: Persian New Year Traditions
Nowruz is the biggest and oldest holiday celebrated in Iran. It takes a month of preparations and two (!) weeks of celebrations. So it might be a good idea to celebrate with Iranians. In this post, you will find out what Nowruz is and get familiar with Persian New Year traditions. Nowruz (Norooz) is as old as Iran itself. Somehow it is a symbol of Persian culture. The tradition of celebrating Nowruz unites Iranians from the Caspian Sea to the Persian Gulf. Nowruz means a new day. This is the day when a new year starts in Iran and corresponds with spring equinox which marks the start of spring.
-
Yalda Night in Iran: 5-Step Guide to Celebrate the Longest Night of the Year
Watermelon, pomegranate and nuts are traditional Yalda night treats Source: hamgardi.com As you might know, December 21st is Winter Solstice which means it`s the longest night in the year. Not many of us would have even noticed! However, for Iranians whose calendar is deeply intertwined with the laws of nature, it`s a big holiday called Yalda Night. Yalda Night awakes nostalgic feelings in most Iranians who had seen a more traditional, thorough and more widely celebrated Yalda night at their grandparents` house with all relatives gathered around korsi (a traditional heating device, if I may call it so) sharing sweet memories of the past, reciting poems of Hafez…
-
Feel Christmas Spirit in Tehran!
Christmas spirit is hardly seen here in Tehran. No snow on Christmas Eve, I believe, no Santa Clauses in the streets, no people hurrying up for buying their gifts. Although there are some places that will certainly cheer you up before Christmas holidays! Here are a couple of recommendations for you. St Mary Armenian Church on 30th Tir Street First, and the main one, Christian churches. That is what Christmas is, actually, about, right?) Most churches are being decorated for the holiday season and hold special services. There are Armenian, Orthodox, Catholic and so many other churches in Tehran, just choose yours! IMPORTANT! Most of churches (especially not Armenian) open…
