*Many people dress up as Hadji Firooz, who is a symbolic character of the New Year, just as Santa Claus is of Christmas. Hadji Firooz wears of the New Year, just as Santa Claus is of Christmas. Hadji Firooz wears a red satin costume and and has black makeup on his face. He sings and dances through the streets, telling everyone that the New Year is coming. Today, people see him in shopping malls, just as you can see Santa Claus in the United States or in Britain.
*First, on the last Wednesday before Nowrooz, people light fires in public places. This is when the celebration begins. Family members line up and jump over the fire. This is to bring light and happiness throughout the coming year. Children run through the streets. They bang on pots and pans with spoons to beat out the last unlucky Wednesday of the year. They knock on doors and ask for treats like candy, just as children do on Halloween in other countries.