Norooz Mubarak - Welcome 1389

Norooz means "New Day". It is the day that starts the year, traditionally the exact astronomical beginning of the Spring.
This exact second is called "Saal Tahvil". With its' uniquely Iranian characteristics this holiday has been celebrated for at least 3,000 years.
you start house cleaning (Khaane Tekaani), and buy new clothes. But a major part of New Year rituals is setting the "Haft Seen" with seven specific items.
In ancient times each of the items corresponded to one of the seven creations and the seven holy immortals protecting them. Today they are changed and modified but some have kept their symbolism. 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 (vinager), 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 or lentil representing new growth is grown in a flat dish a few days before the New Year and is called Sabzeh (green shoots). Decorated with colorful ribbons, it is kept until Sizdah beh dar, the 13th day of the New Year, and then disposed outdoors. A few live gold fish are placed in a fish bowl. In the old days they would be 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.
After the Saal Tahvil, people hug and kiss and wish each other a happy new year. Then they give presents (traditionally cash, coins or gold coins), usually older to the younger. this could be where the Christmas presents idea started. It is much older

The first few days are spent visiting older members of the family, relatives and friends. Children receive presents and sweets, special meals and "Aajil" (a combination of different nuts with raisins and other sweet stuff) or fruits are consumed. 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 smoked and freshly fried fish. Koukou Sabzi, a mixture of fresh herbs with eggs fried or baked, is also served. The next day rice and noodles (Reshteh Polo) is served. Regional variations exist and very colorful feasts are prepared.

SIZDEH BEDAR

The 13th day of the new year is called "Sizdah Bedar" and spent mostly outdoors. People will leave their homes to go to the parks or local plains for a festive 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 regard 13th day as a bad omen and believe that by going into the fields and parks they avoid misfortunes. It is also believed that unwed girls can wish for a husband by going into the fields and tying a knot between green shoots, symbolizing a marital bond.

also the pranks played on the 13th day are where April fools day got its beginning. 13 has a long tradition as an unlucky number.

If you are unlucky at love do not forget to knot grass for luck in romance and good fortune in finding a mate

CHAHARSHANBEH SOORI

Another tradition of the new year celebrations is "Chahar-Shanbeh Soori". It takes place before Saal Tahvil, at the last Wednesday of the old year, well actually Tuesday night! The tradition is to leap the fire, sing songs and make merry.

Sorkhi-e to az man Zardi-e man az to

symobilically you are entering the light and leaving the darkness.

In modern times though while there is still jumping the fires there will be parties rather than purification rites