HTS Celebrates Nowruz

Our community gathered for a meaningful Chapel celebration where we were honoured to learn about the rich traditions and significance of Nowruz, the Persian New Year. The presentation, given by a group of Lower and Senior School students took us on a journey through the history, customs, and deeper meaning of this time-honoured occasion.

Nowruz, which means “new day”, marks the first day of spring and the beginning of the year in the Persian calendar. The celebration has been observed for over 3,000 years, tracing its origins to ancient Zoroastrian traditions in the region now known as Iran. It is a festival celebrated by millions of people around the world, particularly in Iran, Central Asia, the Caucasus, and parts of the Middle East, reflecting the cultural diversity of the regions where it is observed.

Our students emphasized the celebration’s connection to the renewal of nature, highlighting that the holiday coincides with the Spring Equinox, symbolizing balance between light and darkness. Nowruz is not only a celebration of the new season but also a time for reflection, renewal, and reconciliation, making it a deeply spiritual event for those who observe it.

Our Parent Association created an example of the Haft-Seen table, a central element in Nowruz celebrations in the Atrium, for the community to learn more about Nowruz and the elements of the celebration. The Haft-Seen is a symbolic arrangement of seven items, each starting with the Persian letter "S," representing various values and forces of life. These items include sabzeh (wheatgrass for rebirth), samanu (a sweet pudding for strength), senjed (dried oleaster fruit for love), seer (garlic for medicine), sekhmeh (vinegar for aging), somāq (sumac for the sunrise), and serkeh (apple vinegar for aging). Each item on the table carries its own symbolism and message of renewal and hope.

The presentation in Chapel also highlighted the tradition of spring cleaning or “khaneh tekani,” a practice that is not just about tidying up one's home but also symbolizes the cleansing of the soul in preparation for the new year. This act of physical and spiritual purification is accompanied by the giving of gifts, the sharing of food, and visiting family and friends, strengthening bonds within the community.

Beyond the customs, the students emphasized the universal message that Nowruz carries and invited everyone to celebrate. Nowruz is a beautiful celebration that transcends national and religious boundaries, bringing people together to celebrate life, nature, and the hope for a better future. The students reminded us that while Nowruz has its origins in Persian culture, its meaningful rituals bring people together, celebrating the power of renewal and hope, creating an opportunity for cross-cultural connection and understanding.