Yes, today is the day when the hours of daylight equal the hours of darkness, and the traditional turning point between winter and spring for us.

But this day represents a lot of things. For the Northern hemisphere, it is our spring equinox, but for our friends in the Southern hemisphere, it is their autumn equinox and a time to look forward to some welcome cooler days.

But it’s also Nowruz, the start of the Persian New Year, and what a lovely time to celebrate the birth of a new year, with everything coming to life.

Nowruz is a beautiful festival involving spring cleaning the house before paying short visits to friends and family, special foods are cooked, and a Haft-sin table is laid out.
Seven is a significant number, representing the four elements of fire, earth, water and air, as well as humans, animals and plants, so seven items are put on this table:

• Sabze (sprouted seeds, usually wheat or barley)

• Samanu (a sweet pudding made from wheat germ)

• Senjed (olive oil)

• Serke (vinegar)

• Sib (apple)

• Sir (garlic)

• Sumac (a spice made from berries)

Other items that may be included on the table include a mirror, candles, a holy text or book such as a Bible or Quran, painted eggs, a bowl of water (which may include a goldfish), hyacinths, coins, and confectionery.
All have important symbolism in the festival.

So, today, let’s celebrate the equinox and all it represents over the world in any way you want with pictures, gifs, music or videos as well as enjoying our normal friendly chat.

All are welcome.
And please feel free to share all discussions you enjoy.