Nowruz (Iranian New Year)

The word Nowrus is the combination of two Persian words, “now” means new, and the word “ruz” which means both day and time. Nowruz literally means “new day”, but it is usually translated as “new year.”
Iranian New Year celebration (Nowruz) always begins on the first day of spring in harmony with the rebirth of nature. First day of spring, which is 21st of March, is also the first day of Iranian solar calendar.
Nowruz ceremony, the oldest tradition of Iran, is the symbol of two ancient concepts: the End and the Rebirth, or Good and Evil.
You may be interested to know what we do before and during 13 days of Nowruz celebration. In text bellow, you will read shortly about before Nowruz.

Preparations for Nowruz
Preparation for welcoming the Nowrus starts early in March with cleaning the house and then sowing Sabzeh (lentil or wheat). Iranians begin to wash carpets, paint the house and make everywhere clean. People believe that they can keep Evil away from the kingdom of Good with cleanliness.

The sprouting of seeds and house cleaning are followed by Nowruz shopping. People buy new clothes, shoes and different kinds of sweets, fruits and nuts. They also prepare some presents for their families and friends.

We celebrate the evening of last Tuesday of the out-going year. On this day, family gets together and each members jumps over the fire and says, “Give me your beautiful red color and take back my sickly pallor.” Iranians believe by going over the fire they will get rid of all their illnesses and misfortunes.

Now this is the time for celebrate Nowruz.
I will focus on activities during Nowruz ceremony in next entry.