Nowruz: Colourful Celebrations of Persian New Year

Nowruz, or the Persian New Year, is a vibrant and festive holiday celebrated between March 19–21 throughout Iran, Central Asia, and other regions with strong Persian influences. A celebration of spring's return, Nowruz is a time for renewal, introspection, and merriment. One of the loveliest features of Nowruz is its strong tradition of colourful usage in celebration, decoration, and ritual. For artistic minds and families, including colouring and art activities can add to this celebration even more. This is how you can celebrate Nowruz technicolour-style!

The Meaning of Colour in Nowruz
Nowruz is basically a nature and rebirth-related celebration, and so is all its festivities filled with colors and symbolism. As for ushering in the new year with hope and optimism, colors are used predominantly in celebratory clothing and ornamentation designs-from Haft-Seen tables to design ornate boxes.
One of the main traditions of Nowruz is the arrangement of the Haft-Seen table, which consists of seven symbolic objects beginning with the Persian letter 'S'. They all symbolize something good in life, and they add a variety of colours to the festivities:
- **Sabzeh (Sprouted wheat or lentils)** – Green, meaning rebirth and growth
- **Samanu (Sweet pudding)** – Brown, symbolizing strength and prosperity
- **Senjed (Dried oleaster fruit)** – Orange or reddish, symbolizing love and wisdom
- **Seer (Garlic)** – White, symbolizing protection and health
- **Seeb (Apple)** – Red, symbolizing beauty and good health
- **Somaq (Sumac berries)** – Deep red, symbolizing the sunrise and patience
- **Serkeh (Vinegar)** – Amber, symbolizing wisdom and age

Colouring Activities for Nowruz
Engage children and families in the spirit of Nowruz by using coloring and other creative activities:
- **Colouring Pages Haft-Seen**: Allow kids to color in their own personal version of a Haft-Seen table in bold colours which depict symbolic features.
- **Persian-inspired Greeting Cards Nowruz**: Challenge children to draw and colour cards containing Persian themes, blooms, and festive messages such as "Nowruz Mobarak!
- **Egg Decorating**: As with other spring holidays, painting and decorating eggs (Tokhm-e Morgh) is a fun Nowruz activity. Use bright, bold colors and intricate Persian patterns.
- **Persian Calligraphy Art**: Print or draw Persian calligraphy quotes about Nowruz and let children color them in with bright patterns and designs.

Hosting a Nowruz Colouring Celebration
For a family party, school event, or community festival, set up a creative station with:
- A collection of colouring pages with Nowruz patterns
- Vibrant and festive paints, markers, and crayons
- Stickers, glitter, and stencils for extra decorations
- A small display of a real Haft-Seen table for reference

Blending Colouring with Storytelling
While children and adults are colouring, use the time to teach the history of Nowruz, how it is rich in cultural and religious significance. Get them to read folktales related to Nowruz or listen to traditional Persian music to set the mood.

Conclusion
Nowruz is a time of joy, rebirth, and loveliness, and it's the perfect moment to celebrate in colour and creativity. The inclusion of colouring activities in the celebrations means that families can share the traditions of Persian New Year in a fun and rewarding manner. So grab your colours, join in the radiance of Nowruz, and welcome the new year with art and festive spirit. Nowruz Mobarak!