Norooz:

Norooz is the Iranian's new year which means "new day" in Persian language. Norooz is about nature-celebrating the awaking of the natural life. It represents two different meanings; the End and the Rebirth – End of the presence of the evil forces and darkness in winter and Rebirth of nature in spring.

A few weeks before the beginning of the new year Iranians prepare themselves to welcome Norooz; They rearrange their homes, buy new clothes, bake pastries and germinate seeds as a sign of renewal.



Norooz customs:

Haji Firooz: is a traditional character that wears colorful clothes and by singing and dancing through streets spread the news of the new year.

Chahar shanbeh soori: on the last Tuesday evening of the year, every family gathers wood and branches of trees to make fire and jump over the burning fire .


Haft Seen: setting the Haft seen (Norooz table) and sitting around it at the turn of the year is another custom in harmony with the rebirth of nature. Collecting every symbol of life with seven items which each starts with the Persian letter seen (in English s) is a traditional custom.
The seven items are:
1. Sabzeh (grown wheat) symbol of rebirth.
2. Sekeh (coin) symbol of prosperity and wealth.
3. Sir (garlic) symbol of health.
4. Samanu symbol of sweetness.
5. Senjed (dried fruit of Lotus tree) symbol of love.
6. Somaq (sumac berries) symbol of warmth.
7. Serkeh (vinegar) symbol of patience.
Muslim Iranians place the Holy Quran on the table to represent their esteem for this divine book around these items and light candles as a symbol of ancient Persian's respect for fire. Iranians also put other items in this colorful table such as painted eggs, which represent fertility, a mirror for reflection of life and a fish in a bowl that shows the flow of life.



Sizdah Bedar: the 13th of Norooz Iranians go out of house with their relatives. They have a picnic and end their holiday hopefully.