Google Doodle today takes centre stage to honour Nowruz, the Iranian New Year. (Screengrab: Google.com)
Google Doodle today shows the animal friends who have gathered in a flower-filled courtyard to ring in the coming of spring, Nowruz, under the blossoming tree.
Every year on the spring equinox, Google Doodles transform their logo to celebrate various holidays and traditions. Today, March 19, 2024, the Doodle takes centre stage to honour Nowruz, the Iranian New Year, a vibrant festival steeped in over 3,000 years of history.
Google Doodle today features the artistic vision of Iranian guest artist Pendar Yousefi. Yousefi’s creation draws inspiration from his childhood memories of Nowruz, evoking joy, togetherness, and hope. These are captured through the animal friends who have gathered in a flower-filled courtyard to ring in the coming of spring under the blossoming tree.
It captures the spirit of Nowruz through vibrant colours and intricate details reminiscent of illuminated manuscripts, an art form with a rich history in the region that celebrates Nowruz.
NOWRUZ 2024 HISTORY
Nowruz, literally translating to “new day” in Persian, finds its roots in ancient Iran, then known as Persia. Aligned with the spring equinox, it marked the beginning of the new year and the blossoming season. As trade flourished along the Silk Road, this tradition spread its wings, captivating countries and ethnicities across the vast network.
NOWRUZ 2024 TRADITION
At the heart of Nowruz lies the cherished tradition of haft-sin. Families gather to meticulously arrange seven symbolic items, each representing a vital aspect of life and nature’s renewal. Sprouted wheat, symbolizing rebirth and good fortune, takes center stage alongside its sweet counterpart, wheat pudding, signifying strength and power.
A sprig of olive, representing love and peace, finds its place amidst the vibrant display. Berries, reminiscent of the sunrise, are a reminder of new beginnings, while vinegar, symbolizing patience and the wisdom of age, adds a touch of tang. A gleaming apple embodies beauty and the promise of a fruitful year, while garlic, a symbol of good health, completes the symbolic spread.
NOWRUZ 2024 CELEBRATIONS
Nowruz is more than just the start of a new year; it’s a time for families and communities to come together, reflect on the past year, and embrace the hope and optimism that spring brings. The Google Doodle serves as a beautiful reminder of this ancient tradition’s enduring legacy, inviting the world to celebrate the joy and significance of Nowruz.
