What does the Persian word 'Nowruz' literally mean?

The Persian word “Nowruz” literally means “New day.” It combines now, meaning “new,” with ruz, meaning “day.”

The name fits the festival’s role as both the first day of spring and the beginning of the Persian Solar Hijri year. Nowruz occurs at the Northern Hemisphere’s vernal equinox, usually around March 20 or 21, and begins the month of Farvardin.

A common mix-up is to answer “New Year,” because Nowruz is the Persian New Year. That describes the festival’s function, not the literal meaning of its name. “Spring equinox” is likewise its timing, not its translation.

Nowruz has ancient Iranian roots and is associated with renewal, family visits, decorated Haft-sin tables, and preparations such as house cleaning. The festival is celebrated across several countries and communities, with spelling variants including Norooz, Nowruz, Navruz, and Nauruz.