Nowruz, Iran
Nowruz, Iran — an illustrated travel story, set in Nowruz. 10 illustrated pages, free to read on Wonder Travel.
Page 1
The wind howls, swirling snow around the tiny kingdom nestled inside a glass globe. Anika squints, pushing a stray strand of platinum blonde hair from her eyes.
Page 2
Anika traces a finger across the glass, mesmerized by the miniature world within. Mei, bundled in a scarlet coat, points to a tiny figure sweeping snow from even tinier rooftops. Anaya giggles, spotting Zola attempting to build a snowman no bigger than her thumb. “It’s so peaceful in there,” she whispers.
Page 3
Stepping inside, the wind vanishes, replaced by the scent of herbs and spices. Anika gasps, "It's like...spring!" Marco laughs, "Well, it is Nowruz, after all! It is the Persian New Year, celebrated on the spring equinox." Anika spots a boy arranging brightly colored eggs on a table. "Look how vibrant everything is!"
Page 4
"Khaleh Anika! Khaleh Marco! Welcome to our Nowruz celebration!" A voice calls out. A young boy, Karim, runs towards them, his face beaming. "We're setting up the Haft-Seen table! It represents new life," Karim explains, leading them toward the table. "Each item signifies something special for the new year!"
Page 5
Anika points to a bowl of sprouting wheatgrass. "What's that?" Karim explains, "That's sabzeh! It symbolizes rebirth and renewal." He then gestures towards a bowl of goldfish. "And that is gold fish symbolizing life and blessings!" Marco smiles, observing everything. "Did you know the goldfish is a newer addition to the Haft-Seen table, becoming popular around the 1920s?"
Page 6
As they explore, Anika notices a group of children gathered around a fire, jumping over it. "What are they doing?" she asks. Karim grins, "That's Chaharshanbe Suri! We jump over the fire to burn away all the bad luck from the past year." He then grabs Anika's hand, "come, let's also jump!
Page 7
Later, while enjoying some delicious Shirini, Anika turns to Marco, "It's amazing how they celebrate the new year." Marco nods. "'The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new,'" she says, quoting Socrates. "The Persian people are celebrating with so much vigor and joy. Every ritual is to celebrate spring and hope for a better coming year."
Page 8
As night falls, the kingdom erupts in fireworks. But the glass of the snow globe starts to crack. "Oh, no! What's happening?" Anika cries out. Karim shouts, "It is the globe that protects our kingdom!" Marco points to the Haft-Seen table. "Quick! The Samanu! Remember the sweet pudding we learned about? It represents strength and sweetness, which can bind the cracks together!".
Page 9
Anika grabs a bowl of Samanu from the Haft-Seen table, its sweet aroma filling the air. Following Marco's instructions, they spread the Samanu along the cracks in the glass. Slowly, miraculously, the cracks begin to heal. The glass of the globe stabilizes! "We saved our kingdom!", Karim exclaims joyfully.
Page 10
The fireworks reach their grand finale, illuminating the miniature kingdom and the faces of its joyful inhabitants. Anika smiles. "Nowruz is more than just a new year; it's a celebration of hope and connection." Marco nods, her eyes sparkling. Come, join us in Iran! Let's experience this celebration together!
About this story
- Location: Nowruz
- Audience: kids (ages 6–12)
Questions and answers
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