Google commemorated the arrival of spring with a special Doodle marking the Persian New Year, Nowruz 2025. This year, the celebration of Nowruz coincides with the first day of spring on March 20.
The Doodle was designed by Pendar Yousefi, and was released as part of Google’s global recognition of the 3,000-year-old tradition that heralds renewal, hope, and the victory of light over darkness.
Pendar Yousefi is a California-based UX designer known for his work on breaking down language barriers and creating inclusive digital experiences. In addition to his career in design, Yousefi has a passion for storytelling and art, and has recently released his first children’s book.
The Doodle is a celebration of Nowruz’s deep cultural heritage and its message of unity, renewal, and hope. Through his work, Yousefi has captured the essence of this festive occasion, which unites people from different backgrounds and regions.
For those unfamiliar, Google Doodles are short-lived artistic variations of the Google logo. They frequently appear to honour significant historical events, holidays, and notable figures worldwide. This specific Doodle, celebrating Nowruz, highlights the festival's rich cultural history and its widespread observance across various regions.
What is Nowruz?
Nowruz, meaning “New Day” in Persian, marks the beginning of the Persian New Year and is celebrated by millions across the globe. Originating in ancient Zoroastrian traditions, Nowruz signifies rebirth, the arrival of spring, and the triumph of light over evil.
Traditionally celebrated for 13 days, Nowruz’s observances take place in countries across the Middle East, Central Asia, the Caucasus, parts of South Asia, and even Europe.
In the Persian tradition, families set up the Haft-Sīn table, a carefully arranged display of seven symbolic objects, each beginning with the Persian letter 'S'. These items represent different virtues or elements:
- Sabzeh (sprouts or wheatgrass) – symbolizes rebirth and renewal
- Samanu (sweet wheat pudding) – signifies strength and prosperity
- Senjed (dried oleaster fruit) – stands for love and wisdom
- Seer (garlic) – represents health and protection
- Seeb (apple) – symbolizes beauty and good health
- Somāq (sumac berries) – represents the sunrise and patience
- Serkeh (vinegar) – signifies wisdom and the passage of time
The period leading up to Nowruz is filled with customs meant to purify the home and prepare for the New Year. One such practice is Khāne-takāni, or spring cleaning, which is believed to drive away negative energy and make space for new beginnings.
An exciting part of the Nowruz celebrations is the fire-jumping festival known as Chaharshanbe Suri, held on the final Wednesday before Nowruz. During this festival, people chant phrases meant to dispel bad luck and welcome health and energy. This is followed by jumping over bonfires, a symbolic act of purification and renewal.
Families also gather to visit relatives, exchange gifts, and indulge in special Nowruz dishes like Ash Reshteh (a thick noodle soup) and Sabzi Polo ba Mahi (herbed rice with fish). The 13-day celebration concludes with Sizdeh Bedar, a day dedicated to outdoor festivities and connecting with nature, marking the end of the Nowruz festivities.
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