Celebration

Nowrouz is the first day of New Year in Persian culture. In Persian's calendar the first day of spring, March 21, is celebrated in Iran, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Armenia, Tajikistan, Georgia, and Slavic and Baltic countries as the new year’s day. The Iranian calendar is the most accurate calendar in the world that was used for over two millennia in ancient Iran. It was invented by Khayyam, one of the most famous scientists in the ancient world. In this calendar, called the Jalali calendar, each year contains 365. Every four years, we have 366 days in the year. That year is called Sal-e-Kabiseh, or leap year. We can calculate the exact time when the new year begins. One of the most famous traditions of Nowrouz is called Sofre Haft Sin, or tablecloth of 7 S’s. It is a tablecloth that contains 7 things that begin with the letter "S" such as:

1. Sabzeh (grass)
2. Senjed (Russian Olive)
3. Samanu
4. Sir (garlic)
5. Seeb (Apple)
6. Sekkeh (Coin)
7. Sonbol (hyacinth)

Before the moment of changing the year, all members of the family, sit around this tablecloth and pray and wish the best new year for everyone. An adorable tradition in Nowrouz is called Did-o-Bazdid, or get-togethers. It means that first younger people go to their elders’ homes to wish them a happy new year, and a few days later the elders pay the younger family members a visit. Nowrouz is celebrated for 13 days, and on 13th day people go to the promenades and countryside with their family and friends. This day is called Sizdebedar.