Novruz is a traditional celebration of the new year according to the solar calendar when winter ends and spring begins. This holiday has been celebrated for over 3,000 years in Azerbaijan and other Central and Western Asian countries. Every country celebrates Novruz slightly differently, and in Azerbaijan, it is celebrated with mass celebration.

In this blog post, we'll learn about the beautiful holiday tradition of Novruz and how to set up a table for the celebration without alcohol.

Setting Up a Table for Novruz Celebration

One of the most important aspects of the holiday is the Novruz table setting, which features a variety of symbolic foods and decorations. Below is a list of my go-to tables setup when celebrating Novruz at home with friends and family.

Various Elements of My Novruz Table Setup

1. Gohal Gogal

First and foremost, my personal favourite Novruz sweet is Gohal Gogal, a type of pastry that represents the sun due to its resemblance to a large, radiant sphere. This delectable treat is made by layering thin dough and filling the centre with a mixture of spices. There are two varieties of Gohal - a sweet version and a spicy version - but I prefer the latter for its more savoury flavour.

2. Sheker Bura

Next, there is Shaker Bura, a type of pastry that represents the moon due to its crescent shape. It is made by filling dough with a blend of nuts and sugar, resulting in a texture that is both rich and a bit dry. To decorate the pastries, a special tool with small blades is used to create intricate designs on the surface, which are then rolled with the fingers to create a finished product that is both beautiful and delicious.

3. Pahlava

Finally, there is Pahlava, a rich and syrupy pastry that is particularly sticky and oily in texture. It is made by layering thin sheets of dough and filling each layer with a mixture of nuts and sugar. The finished pastry is then presented in a separate container, as it is quite different from the other two varieties in terms of its texture and taste.

4. Decorated Painted Eggs

In addition to the sweets, my table also features beautifully decorated painted eggs, which are symbolic of life and are typically dyed with food colouring or drawn on with markers. The eggs are traditionally meant to correspond to each family member, with one egg per person.

5. Candles

Candles are another important element of my table, as they are lit every Tuesday night and are meant to correspond to each family member, as well as any guests staying in the home. The candles are believed to represent longevity, with the person whose candle lasts the longest being thought to live the longest life.

6. Dried fruits and Tea

Dried fruits and nuts are also featured on my table, presented in a separate category for guests to enjoy with a cup of tea. Finally, there is a beautiful tray with cups, plates, a teapot, and a special type of caramelised sugar that is used to sweeten the tea. The tray also features a traditional figurine of a man serving tea, as well as cups with paintings of people in traditional national costume.

In addition to these items, it is also common to include other traditional Azerbaijani dishes such as dolma, pilaf, and kebab on the Novruz Sofra. The table is usually covered with a special tablecloth and decorated with flowers and other decorations.

Conclusion

Novruz is a holiday that celebrates nature and encourages people to connect with their roots and ancestors. It is a time to make peace with family members and leave past troubles behind, starting a new chapter with a fresh perspective. Despite the delicious sweets and beautiful decorations, the true meaning of Novruz lies in the connections it fosters between people and the natural world. Check out my video on the topic to watch me showcase several of the items discussed in the videos and how to set your table for the Novruz the right way.