Nowruz (‘new year’ in Farsi), takes place on the vernal equinox, a time when the day and night are of equal length, around March 21 every year. It is preceded by Chaharshanbe Suri, which falls on the last Wednesday of the Persian calendar, a perfect time to jump over a burning fire, purchase goldfish for goodluck, and eat Kuku Sabzi (herb frittata). For me, it is a reminder of where my father came from, of the various circumstances that have prevented me from visiting Iran my whole life, the rich culture associated with Persia, and making sure to text and call my family members.
One year my dad decided to follow through on custom and bought a goldfish for good luck, a common tradition, but not one we usually practice, and one that probably doesn’t meet PETA protocols. The goldfish, in its makeshift vase home, was placed alongside an assortment of flowers and fresh sprouts, as custom dictates, not exactly the usual aquarium environment, but the goldfish seemed content. That year we also decided to visit the Berkeley Persian Center, where the barbecue sizzles and the Doogh (yogurt drink) flows. We jumped over burning logs for more goodluck and listened to live music. When we got home it set in that the goldfish’s part in this wasn’t over.
After much deliberation, we decided to see if the after-school center my brother and I attended would adopt the goldfish and incorporate it into their aquarium’s ranks. Luckily for the goldfish, they accepted. For the remainder of the time I attended that after-school center, I remember watching the goldfish grow, along with my family pride, a reminder of the quirks that accompany every culture. For all Byndies, I recommend you look up Persian restaurants in your area, I’d suggest ordering Ghorme Sabzi (the Persian national dish), Fesenjoon (pomegranate curry), and Zabon (tongue *note: this is an acquired taste*), plus, don’t forget to finish with Bastani (traditionally rose flavored icecream or shaved rose water ice).
P.S. I highly recommend Daryoush in Berkeley, CA, for traditional eats, and Komaaj in SF, which focuses on the pescatarian diet of Northern Iran, both have vegetarian and vegan options.
