Guide

Nowruz dating

Persian New Year falls on the spring equinox, around 20 March, and brings two weeks of parties, visits and picnics. For singles in the diaspora it is the busiest social season of the year.

Before Nowruz: Chaharshanbe Suri

On the last Tuesday night of the year, people jump over small fires and sing zardi-ye man az to, sorkhi-ye to az man. Many cities hold public events. It is loud, public and fun: an easy first or second date.

The haft-sin and the visits

The table of seven things beginning with S, the sabzeh, the goldfish, and then days of visits to elders. If you are early in a relationship, you do not have to bring someone to the family; a photo of your haft-sin sent as a message says enough.

Sizdah Bedar

The thirteenth day is spent outdoors, and single people traditionally tie blades of sabzeh with a wish to be married by next year. A picnic with friends is a relaxed way to see how a new person fits in.

Etiquette

• Say Nowruz mobarak or sal-e no mobarak.
• Eidi, the new-year gift, is for children and close family, not a third date.
• Busy families mean busy schedules: plan early.

Keep reading

• A Yalda night date
• First date ideas with a little Persian in them
• Meeting the Persian family
• Persian dating, wherever you live