For Iranians, the new year doesn't begin until spring. Each year on the spring equinox, millions of people from Iran, Turkey and other Middle Eastern countries celebrate Norooz, the Iranian New Year. The festival begins at the very time the sun crosses the equator, on March 20th this year, and runs for 12 days.
Norooz. a non-religious holiday, marks the coming of spring and celebrates the 3,000 year old victory of the king of Zoroastrian, King Jamshidm, who defeated a harsh Persian dictator. Today the festival is marked by several traditions: spring cleaning, treats, and visits. The cleaning prepares households for the new year, visits remind people how others have enriched their lives, and treats are given in order to ensure a good year for all.
We will display a table called a half-seen or seven S's, which contains the following symbols:
Seeb - Apple (symbolizing beauty )
Seer - Garlic (meaning good health)
Senjed - Sweet lotus fruit (representing love)
Sombol - Hyacinth flower (representing rejuvenation)
Sekeh - Coin (representing wealth and prosperity)
Sabza - Wheat, barley or lentils sprouting in a dish (symbolizing renewal)
Serkeh - Vinegar (symbolizing age and patience)
They will also find a bowl of goldfish that symbolize longevity."
Source: PR WEB
