Google Doodle takes center stage today to honor Nowruz, the Iranian New Year. (Screenshot: Google.com)
Google Doodle today shows the animal friends who have gathered in a flower-filled yard to welcome the arrival of spring, Nowruz, under the blossoming tree.
Every year on the spring equinox, Google Doodles transforms its logo to celebrate various holidays and traditions. Today, March 19, 2024, Doodle takes center stage to honor Nowruz, the Iranian New Year, a vibrant festival steeped in more than 3,000 years of history.
Google Doodle today presents the artistic vision of Iranian guest artist Pendar Yousefi. Yousefi's creation is inspired by his childhood memories of Nowruz and evokes joy, togetherness and hope. These are captured through the animal friends who have gathered in a flower-filled yard to welcome the arrival of spring under the blossoming tree.
It captures the spirit of Nowruz through vibrant colors and intricate details reminiscent of illuminated manuscripts, an art form with a rich history in the region that celebrates Nowruz.
HISTORY OF NOWRUZ 2024
Nowruz, which literally translates to “new day” in Persian, has its roots in ancient Iran, then known as Persia. Aligned with the spring equinox, it marked the beginning of the new year and the flowering season. As trade flourished along the Silk Road, this tradition spread its wings, captivating countries and ethnicities across the vast network.
NOWRUZ TRADITION 2024
At the heart of Nowruz is the beloved tradition of haft-sin. Families come together to meticulously arrange seven symbolic elements, each representing a vital aspect of life and the renewal of nature. Sprouted wheat, symbolizing rebirth and good fortune, takes center stage along with its sweet counterpart, wheat pudding, signifying strength and power.
An olive branch, representing love and peace, finds its place in the middle of the vibrant display. The berries, reminiscent of the dawn, are a reminder of new beginnings, while the vinegar, symbolizing the patience and wisdom of age, adds a spicy touch. A shining apple embodies the beauty and 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 beginning of a new year; It is 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 the enduring legacy of this ancient tradition, inviting the world to celebrate the joy and meaning of Nowruz.
