“Nowruz” one of the ancient Iranian festivals is held at the beginning of the spring and is considered as beginning of the Persian New Year. People from different parts of the Iranian plateau celebrate Nowruz.This feast was registered by UNESCO as the cultural and spiritual
heritage of humanity in 2010 and 21 march has been marked on calendar as
an International event from that year.
There are some customs which done prior to
Nowruz. For example “Khouneh Tekouni” and "Chaharshanbe Suri".
Iranian believe that the entire house and its belongings should be cleaned and washed before the New Year's Day. This act is called “Khouneh Tekouni”. By doing so, they welcome to the spring with freshness.In "Chaharshanbe Suri" ceremony, people make fire with sticks, Jump over
it and repeat some sentences on the last Tuesday night before the New
Year. In this symbolic ceremony, people ask the fire to solve all their
problems and instead give them warmth and energy.
“Hajji Firuz” is someone like Santa clause but with a completely different appearance. His face is painted with black color and wears a red costume. He dances through the streets and bazaars with tambourines and sings cheerful songs and heralds the coming of the New Year.For New Year's Day, Iranian family arrange a table at their house
including the holy book of Quran, a mirror, candles, decorated eggs and
seven things which start with "s" sound in Persian and each one is a
symbol of a moral positive feature. This set is called “Haft Sin” and
includes these items:
Sabzeh: wheat or barley sprouts growing in a dish (symbolizing green environment, happiness and rebirth).
Samanu: a sweet pudding made from germinated wheat (symbolizing affluence).
Senjed: the dried fruit of the oleaster tree (symbolizing firmness and tolerance).
Sīr: garlic (symbolizing health).
Sīb: apples (symbolizing beauty and love).
Somaq: sumac berries (symbolizing patience).
Serkeh: vinegar (symbolizing development and evolution).
Visiting family and friends is of important Iranian customs during Nowruz. They wear their New Year clothes and meet their relatives on these days.
The weather in spring season is so pleasant in every corners of Iran and the trees are covered with beautiful blossoms. Iranian are so much interested in nature and journey and they often try to have a domestic travel in Nowruz holidays. Especially, they must spend the thirteenth day of the New Year in the nature. This ceremony is called “Sizdah Be-dar”. On this day, people usually go on picnics with their family and play joyful games and make kebab together.
Iranian are famous for their hospitality.
Our group hopes to welcome you in Iran to show you the beauties of our peaceful country in the near future.
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Tehran attractions please visit that page.
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