45 mins ago09:48 Emily Wright

Nowruz celebrations last for about two weeks and include a variety of customs and traditions: 

House Cleaning: Before Nowruz, families clean their homes thoroughly. This is known as "shaking the house" and symbolises getting rid of the old to make way for the new. 

Haft-Seen Table: One of the most important traditions is setting up a Haft-Seen table. This table includes seven items that start with the Persian letter "S." These items typically include: 

- Sabzeh: Sprouted wheat or lentils, symbolising rebirth.

- Samanu: A sweet pudding, representing power and strength.

- Senjed: Dried oleaster fruit, signifying love.

- Seer: Garlic, for health.

- Seeb: Apples, for beauty.

- Somāq: Sumac berries, symbolising the sunrise.

- Serkeh: Vinegar, representing patience and wisdom.

New Clothes: People often wear new clothes to welcome the new year. 

Fire Jumping: On the eve of the last Wednesday before Nowruz, known as Chaharshanbe Suri, people jump over bonfires. This tradition is meant to purify and bring good luck. 

Visiting Family and Friends: During Nowruz, people visit family and friends' homes, exchange gifts, and enjoy festive meals together. 

Sizdah Bedar: On the 13th day of Nowruz, families go outdoors for picnics. This day, called Sizdah Bedar, is spent in nature to celebrate the end of the New Year festivities and to ward off any bad luck.