Celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year 2024, with Today’s Google Doodle

Google Doodles changes their logo year on the spring equinox to commemorate a variety of festivals and customs. The Doodle takes center stage today, March 19, 2024, in observance of Nowruz, the colorful celebration of the Iranian New Year with a rich history dating back more than 3,000 years.

Pendar Yousefi, an Iranian guest artist, has contributed his creative perspective to today’s Google Doodle. Yousefi’s design, which evokes happiness, community, and optimism, was inspired by his early Nowruz recollections. These are represented by the animal companions that have gathered in a courtyard full of flowers to welcome spring under the flowering tree.

Vibrant colors and minute details evoking illuminated manuscripts—an art style with a strong history in the Nowruz-celebrating region—capture the essence of the holiday.

NOWRUZ 2024 HISTORY
Nowruz, which means “new day” in Persian, has its origins in ancient Persia, which was then known as Iran. It was the start of the flowering season and the new year, falling in line with the spring equinox. This practice expanded along the Silk Road as commerce grew, enthralling nations and ethnic groups across the enormous network.

NOWRUZ 2024 HISTORY
The beloved custom of haft-sin is the center of the Nowruz celebration. Families get together to carefully arrange seven symbolic objects, each of which stands for a crucial facet of life and the rebirth of nature. Together with its sweet cousin, wheat pudding, which represents strength and power, sprouted wheat, which represents rebirth and good fortune, takes center stage.

Amidst the colorful arrangement is an olive branch, which stands for love and harmony. With vinegar adding a hint of sharpness and berries representing patience and age-wise knowledge, this dish is a reminder of fresh beginnings, much like sunrises. Garlic, a representation of good health, completes the metaphorical spread, while a shining apple symbolizes beauty and the hope of a successful year.

NOWRUZ CELEBRATIONS IN 2024
Beyond just marking the beginning of a new year, Nowruz is a time for communities and families to gather, give thanks for the previous year, and welcome the hope and optimism that spring offers. The Google Doodle invites everyone to join in celebrating the pleasure and importance of Nowruz, acting as a lovely reminder of the ongoing heritage of this age-old custom.