Norouz

Norouz Customs

in harmony with the rebirth of nature , the Iranian New Year celebration or NOROUZ , always begins on the first day of spring . Norouz ceremonies are symbolic representations of two ancie concepts - the End and the Rebirth ; or Good and Evil . a few weeks before the New Year , Iranians clean and rearrange their homes . they make new cloths , bake pastries and germinate seeds as sign of renewal .

Haji Firooz

is a character who is the traditional herald of the Norouz . Haji Firooz disguise themselves with make up and wear brightly colored outfish of satin . Haji Firooz sing and dance and parade as a carnival through the streets with tambourines , kettledrums and trumpets to spread good cheer and the news of the coming new year Norouz .

Haft Seen ( seven S )

its a spread with seven items which each symbolized a wish or theme . all seven items in this ceremonial table starts with the persian letter seen or S in Enghlish . the haft seen spread is usually put out a week befor the New Year , witch sets the mood for celebration . the seven items are :
1. Sabzeh ( grown wheat or lentil ) for rebirth
2. Samanu ( flour and sugar ) for sweetnes of life
3. Sekeh ( coin ) for prosperity and wealth
4. senjed ( dried fruit of Lotus tree ) for love
5. Seer ( garlic ) for helth
6. Somaq ( sumac berries ) for warmth
7. Serkeh ( vinegar ) for patience
also there other items on the Norouz spread such as painted egges , witch represent fertility , a mirror that represent image and reflection of life and a golfish in a bowl that represent life and Quran ( our holy book )

Seezdah Bedar

it the 13th day of norouz and persians to overcome the bad luck they spend the entire day out of the house with families and friends in the parks having a picnic . they sing and play games and celebrate and happy and helthy holiday season and end the holiday season on a positive note .