The Iranian New Year (Noruz) begins with the spring in the northern hemisphere, at the exact moment that the Sun enters the northern hemisphere on the vernal equinox on March 20th or 21st. While at first this may seem unusual to Westerners, consider this: the first month of the horoscope is Aries (March 21–April 20), and the extra day for a leap year is always added to February and not, say, to December, which points toward some ancient link to the natural cycle of the seasons. Nowruz is one of the most celebrated and important Iranian holidays. It is observed not only in Iran but also in Azerbaijan, central Asia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, parts of India, and among the Kurds. Officially, the New Year’s holiday lasts for four days, from Nowruz itself on 1 Farvardin to 4 Farvardin. Unoffi cially, the holiday season typically lasts much longer; it is the most popular time by far for people to take trips and vacations, given that schools close longer than government offi ces. It is also an important time for renewing social relationships and putting household and fi nancial matters in order. People clean up their houses (like spring cleaning in the United States), buy new clothing and furniture, and often hope for a new beginning. New Year’s resolutions are as common in Iran as in the United States. People may begin celebrating 10 days or so before Nowruz and continue until the Sizdah Bedar holiday on the 13th day of the year. Children, employees, and various acquaintances also expect to receive a cash gift, ‘idi, for the New Year. Nowruz is a very joyous time, with lots of special foods, visits to friends and relatives, performances by street entertainers, and so forth (Source: Iranian Customs and Values).
Iranian Sense of Day and Week: Culture Informs Natural Events
