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 Norooz
Customs
In harmony with the rebirth of nature, the Iranian New Year
Celebration, or NOROOZ, always begins on the first day of
spring. Norooz ceremonies are symbolic representations of
two ancient 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 clothes, bake pastries
and germinate seeds as sign of renewal.
 Haji
Firooz
is a character who is the traditional herald of the Norooz.
Haji Firooz disguise themselves with makeup and wear
brightly colored outfits of satin. Haji Firuz 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 Norooz.
 Chahar
Shanbeh Soori
happens on the last Tuesday evening of the year. Every
family gathers several piles of wood or brush in the streets
or parks to be lit shortly after the sunset. Then all the
family members line up and take turns jumping over the
burning fire and singing “sorkheeyeh toe az man, Zardeeyeh
man az toe’. “I give my paleness to the fire and take fire
red healthy color”. Yellow or paleness symbolizes the
sickness and pain and red symbolizes heath. Fireworks can be
heard throughout the night.
 Haft
Seen
Is a spread with seven items which each symbolizes a wish or
theme. All seven items in this ceremonial table starts with
the Persian letter Seen or S in English. The Haft Seen
spread is usually put out a week before the New Year, which
sets the mood for celebration. The seven items are Sabzeh
(grown wheat or lentil) for rebirth, Samanu (flour and
sugar) for sweetness of life, Sekeh (coin ) for prosperity
and wealth, Senjed ( dried fruit of Lotus tree) for love,
Seer (garlic) for health, Somaq ( sumac berries) for warmth
and Serkeh ( vinegar) for patience. Also there other items
on the Norooz spread such as painted eggs, which represent
fertility, a mirror that represents image and reflection of
life, and a goldfish in a bowl that represents life.
 Seezdah
Bedar
is the 13th day of Norooz 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 a happy and healthy holiday
season and end the holiday season on a positive note.
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