New year in Iran

On the very first day of spring while nature is rebirthing, in Iran, Norouz is the New Year celebration ,always being on the first day of spring. Norouz means New Day and the exact moment of it is called “Saal Tahvil”.It is the most ancient celebration which has been celebrated for at least 3,000 years and is deeply rooted in the traditions of the Zoroastrians which was the religion of ancient Persia.

Before the new year, people start cleaning their houses which is called “Khaane Tekaani”, and they buy new clothes. But a major part of the New Year tradition is setting the "Haft Seen" with seven specific items. All the seven items start with the letter "S"; this was not the order in ancient times. These seven things usually are: Seeb (apple), Sabze (green grass), Serke (vinegar), Samanoo (a meal made out of wheat), Senjed (a special kind of berry), Sekke (coin), and Seer (garlic). Sometimes instead of Serke they put Somagh (sumak, an Iranian spice).
Wheat, which represents new growth, is grown in a flat dish a few days before the New Year and is called Sabzeh.It will keep until Sizdah beh dar, the 13th day of the New Year, and then is disposed outdoors. A few live goldfish are placed in a fish bowl. In the old days they returned to the riverbanks, but today most people will keep them. Mirrors are placed on the spread with lit candles as a symbol of fire. Some people read poem from Divan-e-Hafez (poetry book of Hefez) during "Saal Tahvil". They believe that Hafez will predict what the New year would be look like.

After new year, people kiss each other and wish a very happy year for each other and then give presents to each other usually older ones to youngsters . The first day of Norouz will be spent visiting older member of the family and friends. Traditionally, on the night before the New Year, most Iranians will have “Sabzi Polo Mahi”, a special dish of rice cooked with fresh herbs and served with fried fish. Koukou Sabzi, a mixture of fresh herbs with eggs fried or baked, is also served. on Norouz day usually rice and noodles “Reshteh Polo” is served.

The 13th day of the new year is called "Sizdah Bedar" and it should be spent outdoors. People will leave their homes to go to the parks or public places for a picnic. It is a must to spend Sizdah Bedar in nature. This is called Sizdah Bedar and is the most popular day of the holidays among children because they get to play a lot. Also in this day, people throw the Sabze away, they believe Sabze should not stay in the house after "Sizdah Bedar". Iranians consider 13th day as a bad luck and believe that by going into the fields and parks they avoid misfortunes. It is also believed that unmarried girls can wish for a husband by going into the fields and tying a knot between green shoots, symbolizing a marital bond.