Norouz, also spelled Nowruz or Norooz means New Day and is the name of the Persian New Year, celebrated in Iran, Albania, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and many other countries in the world.
Norouz marks the rebirth of the earth, the 1st day of Spring, on the day of the vernal equinox (20th or 21st of March). It is believed that Norouz has been celebrated well over 3000 years, but it is important to note that Norouz's origin is rooted in Zoroastrianism.
Befor Norouz, people clean their houses and buy new clothes. On the 1st day of Norouz younger people go and visit their elderlies and older people give a small token (usually a small amount of money) to children.
Haft Seen table, a table consist of seven main items starting with letter "S" in Persian (Farsi) alphabet:
Sabze (سبزه) – Wheat - symbol of Greenery and Nature.
Samanu (سمنو) – Wheat pudding - symbol of Power.
Senjed (سنجد) – Oleaster (Persian olive) - symbol of Wisdom.
Serke (سرکه) – Vinegar - symbol of Disinfection.
Sib (سیب) – Apple - symbol of Health.
Sir (سیر) – Garlic - symbol of Stimulation.
Somāq (سماق) – Sumac - symbol of Patience and Tolerance.
Other decorative items, such as gold fish, mirror, coin, a book of practiced religion, etc. are placed on the table as well. Norouz is celebrated for 13 days, which everyone goes out to a picnic on the 13th day, called Sizdah Bedar.
The United Nations formally recognized Norouz as an international holiday in 2010.