Nowruz or New Year Day is a major celebration for Iranians

Nowruz or New Year Day is a major celebration for Iranians. Preparation for the Nowruz begins early in March with sprouting of sabzeh (lentil, wheat, or barley seeds) and khane tekani (house cleaning). Iranians start growing sabzeh which consists of green sprouts, about 2 or 3 weeks before Norooz. This also depends on how tall they want their Sabzeh. Persians (Iranians and Tajiks) and other groups (Kurds, Armenians, Azarbaijanis, Balochs and various Turkic nations) start preparing for the Nowruz with a major spring-cleaning of their houses. During the Khaneh Tekani, every room in the house is thoroughly cleaned. Iranian families gather to wash the rugs, carpets, and curtains. They polish silverware, pots and pans, and renew old items in the house. The sprouting of seeds and house cleaning are followed by kharid-i Nowruzi (Nowruz shopping (. Nowruz shopping, a family affair performed mostly to engage the children in the celebration, must include all the members. Everyone must be measured and outfitted with new clothes, shoes, hats, and the like. In addition the sofreh (Nowruz display cloth) requires certain items--sweetmeats, confectioneries, candles, fruits, and nuts--which are also bought at this time. In addition to what is bought, women of the household bake various types of sweet breads and sew special clothes for the little ones. At the end a trip may be made to the bank for acquiring shiny, new coins and crisp, fresh banknotes to give out as eydi (gift) and for the sofreh. The month during which Nowruz celebrations are held is an extraordinary time in the life of the community. In ancient times this aspect of Nowruz was so prominent that the mayors of towns were literally displaced by the most victorious person. This victorious (piruz) khwaja or lord was given the rule of the realm for the period. As a part of his duties, Khwaja Piruz saw to it that all the people of the realm were provided with the amenities and joy that were due them. Hâjji Fîrûz or Hajji Piruz, is the traditional herald of Nowruz. He is a black-faced character clad in bright red clothes and a felt hat. While ushering in Nowruz, Hajji Firuz plays a tambourine and sings "Haji Firuz eh, sali ye ruz eh" (It is Haji Firuz time, It happens one day in a year). People of all ages gather around him and his troupe of musicians and listen to them play the drum, saz or kamancheh. Amoo Norooz, a distant relative of Haji Firooz is responsible for giving gifts to the children much like Santa Claus. He makes their wishes come true and ensures that they are happy and healthy for many years to come. Iranians after the emergence of Islam in Iran conjoined their traditions with an Islamic color. Regardig Nowruz, they add a copy of the holy Koran to their sofreh as a source of divine blessing. They also read a piece of supplication called Do'aye Nowruz which is taught by the household of the Noblest Messenger of Allah, Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.)