Happy Norouz!

This Sunday, March 20th, at 4:21 PST Spring will arrive! The Persian New Year will also begin. There are many reasons why I love this holiday, putting aside that it dates back 3000 years. Spring has always been symbolic as a time of rebirth, where the cold winter is over, and the beauty of spring lays ahead.

I love spring time. I love the weather, the blooming flowers and the coming of fun times outdoors. I didn’t celebrate Noruz much growing up in Texas in the 1980’s. There weren’t many Iranians around where we lived and you didn’t advertise that you were Iranian, let alone half Iranian.

I only lived in Iran for 3 years, coming to the states about a month before the revolution “began.” Growing up in Houston, my brother and I were teased mercilessly for being terrorists. I was six years old, my brother nine. Even years after the American hostages in Iran were released, there were snickerings behind my back, accusing me of having machine guns under my bed. Yes, machine guns under my pretty purple bed.

Again, this was 1981. Houston. Way before 9/11.

Persian traditions were forgotten, but I chose in college to get back to my roots. Well, half of my roots. I learned Farsi and I learned everything I could about the Persian culture.

I met my future hubby then, and here I am, 20 years later, making a haft-sin for my kids and getting them their new clothes for Noruz. Go figure.

On Sunday we will congregate at my mother-in-laws for a wonderful traditional Noruz meal.

Herb Rice with Fish (Sabzi Pollo ba Mahi)

Persian Noodle Soup (Ash-e Reshteh)

Herb Quiche (Kookoo-yeh Sabzi)

Sholeh Zard

I’m sure my mother-in-law will have much more than just that, as she always does. With all the turmoil in the world and in the middle east, we will get together and be joyful and optimistic with what the new year has to bring.

So, whether you are Iranian or not:

Eid-e Shoma Mobarak!

Happy New Year