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.
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.