Nowruz (Iranian New Year)

Nowruz is the first day of spring and the beginning of the New Year in Iran and some other countries such as Afghanistan, Azerbaijan.

In Persian Nowruz consists two words, Now and Ruz. Now means new and Ruz means day. The Iranian  New Year starts on March 20, 21 or 22. The United Nations (UN) has registered March 21 for Nowruz.

Before Nowruz, Iranians clean their houses and wash their carpets and curtains. They prepare every thing for the beginning of the New Year. They cook sabzipolo (rice and vegetables) with fish at the last night of year.

The time of new year is different each year but the date is almost the same.

Iranians have Sofreh Haftsin. This means that they put 7 special thing that start with the letter S (in Persian) on a tablecloth:

Apple, garlic, grass ( wheat or lentil sprout), jujube tee, Samanu (like a sweet), coin, sumac.

These are symbol of health, fertility and wealth. Of course, they put a mirror, coloured eggs and a book there, too.

Schools are closed for 13 days and governmental offices for 5 days.

People put on new clothes and go to visit their relatives. They start from the oldest relative. Some people have to travel.

The 13^th day of new year is Sizdahbedar. It means nature day. People go out in the morning until afternoon. They eat lunch outside. Finally, they tie grass.