Norouz is the first day of the Iranian solar year, translated literally as "New day". The official year begun by 12th BC. The moment the sun crosses the equator and equalizes day and night is calculated exactly every year and families gather together to observe the rituals. Norouz is considered the major celebration of the year. Coinciding with March 20thor March 21st.

"Haft seen" is a traditional table decorated with at least seven or "Haft" symbolic things beginning with the Persian letter "s" or "Seen". They often consist of hyacinth "Sonbol", red apple "seeb", the spice sumac "somagh", garlic "seer", vinegar "serkeh", coins "sekeh", and a dish of germinated wheat or barley seeds "sabzeh".

The hyacinth blooms in springtime, symbolizing the rebirth of nature. Red apples provide color as well as representing the first fruit, from the time of Adam & Eva. Sumac is said to be the spice of life. Garlic is believed to chase away evil spirits. Vinegar is a symbol of fermentation. Coins represent wealth and wishes or hopes. The germinated seeds represent the fertility of the land in spring.

The family gathers together around the table holding hands at the specific time of transition into New Year. As they wait, they place a sweet in moth and a coin in hand. At the moment of transition into the New Year or "saal Tahvil", family members hug each other and they wish all the best for each other in the coming year.

"Sizdah Bedar" is the "Thirteenth Outing" and is the final day of Norouz. The thirteenth day of the New Year is considered to be unlucky and in order to partake in a final cleansing, people leave their homes and depart into countryside. They spend the whole day at picnics with the family, enjoying the fresh air. The planted seeds of "sabzeh" are thrown into a flowing stream of water, symbolizing ongoing fertility.

Thus the festivities are over and people are ready to return to work and to face the year ahead.