Pary Baban

Pary Baban · Nandên

Newroz is the Kurdish New Year, celebrating the start of spring. Like Christmas Eve, we have Newroz Eve on 20th March when the sun goes down until the early hours of the morning. In the weeks and days before the celebration, wood will be collected ready for the Newroz fires. Every single home goes to the roof of the house (terrace) or the front of the house and lights a fire when the sun sets and the night begins. The fire has multiple meanings, but it represents the sign of victory and the resilience of the Kurdish people. All around the town/village every house will have a fire and it will look like fairy lights from a distance. The fire is a sign of light in the darkness; it is to celebrate victory for freedom. During the picnic for Newroz, we put our food on the same xwan (table) and eat together. If there are any issues you have with anyone, friends or family, it is encouraged to make peace during this time. Kuzala salad is a good representation of Newroz as kuzala (watercress),