Because the north of Iran is quite different from south, there are several differences in eating habits between the two areas. Northern Iran faces the Caspian Sea where we find the specail fish from which the famous caviar is made, which northerners love to eat. Because of the Mediterrane climate in the north, rice is one of the major crops, and it plays an important role at the table in northern Iran. It is served at all ceremonies. As a tradition northerners conduct a rice ceremony every year by putting rice twigs in the paddy and singing songs. In southern Iran, which faces the Persian Gulf, a variety of seafoods, especially the white fish, make up the favorite dishes. Although rice is important and a part of most meals, the south is better know for its vegetables and fruits. Dates in particular, are important and are a major export to Western countries.