The Novruz, also spelled Nowruz, is a national, international and ethnic holiday. The holiday is celebrated by people mostly living on the Eurasian continent. Countries such as Iran, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Syria, Turkey, Georgia, Albania, Iraq, Russia, and Uzbekistan all have a significant population that celebrate Novruz. Novruz is celebrated annually on March 19, 20, or 21. This day marks the Spring Equinox- the day when the equator passes through the Sun’s center. This occurrence marks the beginning of the Iranian New Year (the first day of the first month Farvardin). Novruz has an Iranian origin rooted in the Zoroastrian religion.
According to the epic poem Shahnameh, Novruz was founded by the Iranian king Jamshid who saves all living things from a deadly winter. Novruz customs include cleaning the home, wearing your best clothing, buying clothes for the new year, gathering around the Haft sin table to eat, and Amu Nowruz bringing gifts for children.
