Celebrating Nowruz and Sizdah Bedar: Persian Traditions in the UK

Making Magic with Nowruz and Sizdah Bedar

Confession time: I’m kind of superstitious, and celebrating Persian Traditions in the UK like Nowruz and Sizdah Bedar (Nature Day) is my spiritual jam. After a lacklustre year due to the pandemic, this year we were determined to revive our Persian traditions with a mini picnic – our personal spin on the grand Persian festivities that H is used to.

Navigating Persian Traditions in the UK

Explaining our annual rituals to my Western friends often feels like narrating a fantasy novel. Fire-jumping during Chaharshanbe Suri? Yep, that’s a thing. While celebrating in the UK can be challenging, I see it as an opportunity to sprinkle a little Persian magic and educate those curious about our customs.

Blooming into Spring with Nowruz

For me, Nowruz is all about welcoming nature indoors as spring arrives. This year, it became an eco-lesson for Cyrus, who diligently cared for his sabzeh (lentil sprouts) every day before school. His secret weapon? A stylish Brass Plant Mister from Amazon (£20). Even sabzeh deserves a spa day, right? After filling it up, all Cyrus had to do was point, push, and voilà! His sabzeh became a windowsill superstar, proving that even watering plants can be both cute and functional. With his sabzeh conquered, Cyrus has now decided to level up to bigger houseplants. Move over, little sprouts – there’s a new plant parent in town.

Related Post: How to Grow Sabzeh: A Step-by-Step Guide

Sizdah Bedar: Testing the Waters on Nature Day

Sizdah Bedar, which takes place 13 days after Nowruz, is all about taking the celebration outdoors. Persians picnic with friends and family, believing that staying indoors on this day brings bad luck. The sabzeh – the green star of our haft-sin display – bids farewell, tossed into running water for good fortune.

A Drive Down Memory Lane

In the good old days, families would attach sabzeh to their car bonnets, proudly driving off with their leafy companions. But, with UK health and safety quirks, we skipped that tradition. Instead, we snapped photos of Cyrus posing with the sabzeh on our car bonnet.

A Picnic Extravaganza: Trading Kotlet for Nature

Fast forward to our Sizdah Bedar picnic at Plessey Woods Country Park in Northumberland, where we traded Persian kotlet for a hastily prepared lunch. It was enough for H, Cyrus, and pesar khaleh (uncle) Esi. After all, who needs kotlet when you’ve got nature, right?

Related Post: Traditional Persian Picnic Recipes You Need to Try

Sabzeh Mobarak: Bringing Tradition to the UK

Upon arrival, curious stares from dog-walkers doubled as our sabzeh made its debut. Who knew lentil sprouts would spark so much interest? As we walked to the river, a group of young girls surprised us with a cheerful “Sizdah Bedar Mobarak!” It’s like the Persian version of “Merry Christmas,” for the Brits reading this. Cyrus’s beaming smile was proof that public sabzeh appreciation is a thing.

Wishes in the Stream

We ventured into the woodland, reaching a serene stream – the perfect spot for our sabzeh casting ritual. As Cyrus released his green buddies into the water, we made our wishes. Some stubborn sabzeh needed a gentle nudge downstream, thanks to a trusty stick.

Pro Tip: Tying a knot in the sabzeh and making a wish for a husband is optional. I thought better of doing that!

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Fact File: Key Points on Nowruz and Sizdah Bedar

• Nowruz: Persian New Year, celebrating spring and renewal.
• Sizdah Bedar: Celebrated 13 days after Nowruz, focused on outdoor picnics and releasing sabzeh into running water.
• Sabzeh: Lentil sprouts symbolizing growth and renewal, part of the traditional haft-sin table.
• Chaharshanbe Suri: Fire-jumping festival celebrated before Nowruz.

Learn more about Persian traditions on this page.

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Sabzeh Magic: Closing Our Sizdah Bedar Celebration

After wrapping up our sabzeh flinging and Nature Day festivities, we left Plessey Woods with our wishes floating down the stream and a car bonnet shining with newfound glory. As we drove home, Cyrus proudly pointed back toward the woods, where his sabzeh kingdom was left behind, flourishing in the wild.

Back in our garden, the BBQ crackled as we toasted to a year filled with more sabzeh adventures, Persian traditions, and the promise of nurturing our growing green thumb. Here’s to a sabzeh-tastic year ahead – because when life gives you lentils, you create sabzeh magic!

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If you’re looking to grow some lentils, learn how to on this page or follow our tips below:

Growing Lentils for Sabzeh: Tips for a Successful Start

If you’re preparing to celebrate Nowruz with sabzeh (lentil sprouts), growing your own is a meaningful way to connect with Persian traditions. Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Opt for organic, whole lentils for better sprouting results. Avoid split or cracked lentils, as they won’t sprout.
2. Start by soaking the lentils in water for about 12-24 hours. This will help them soften and kickstart the germination process.
3. After soaking, drain the lentils and rinse them well. Place them in a shallow dish or tray, and cover them with a damp cloth to keep moisture.
4. Check your lentils daily and make sure the cloth remains damp. The key to successful sprouting is keeping the seeds moist without overwatering.
5. Place your dish in a warm, well-lit area, but avoid direct sunlight. Within a few days, you’ll start to see tiny sprouts emerge.
6. It can take around 7-10 days for your lentils to fully sprout and form sabzeh. Be patient and resist the urge to overwater them.
7. Once your lentil sprouts have grown, place them in a decorative dish to put on your haft-sin table for Nowruz celebrations.

By following these steps, you can create your own beautiful sabzeh to symbolise growth, renewal, and prosperity in the new year.

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What are your favourite Nowruz or Sizdah Bedar traditions? Share your stories or sabzeh magic moments in the comments below! We’d love to hear how you celebrate these special Persian holidays.

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