Naw Ruz

Mrs. Assadi told us about the Persian New Year.
It is celebrate at the start of spring, on the 21st of March.
People living in Iran celebrate Naw Ruz.
At the start people clean, cook and buy new clothes. 

A dancer comes to say, 'Spring is coming. Open your windows and let the fresh air in."

The family gather around a table that has been set up with "Haft Seen" or "Seven S's."
On the table are seven things whose names begin with the 's' sound in the Persian language.

Sabzeh- sprouts for re-birth.

Seer- garlic for medicine.

Serkeh- vinegar for age and patience.

Samanu- a wheat pudding for wealth.

Senjed- dried fruit for love.

Seeb- apples for beauty and health.

Somac- red berries for the colour of the sunrise.

People put other things on the table too. Each has a special meaning.

A goldfish for life.

Coins for wealth.

Rosewater for cleansing.

Some special activities are decorating eggs. We like these eggs which Sara decorated for us.

Little fires are lit in the street for people to jump over and ask for strength and to take away illness.

Families visit each other and the children are given money.

Families pray together for peace in the world.

On the last day everyone goes outside and has a picnic together.