up and jump over the fire. This is to bring light and happiness throughout the coming year. Children run through the streets. The 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. Then, on the night before Nowrooz, the whole family gathers around the table with the seven dishes. The oldest person in the family stands up, gives everyone good wishes, and hands out fresh sweets pastries, and coins. People spend the first few days of the New Year visiting older family members and other relatives. They give gifts and eat wonderful meals. Finally, thirteen days after t New Year starts, families leave their houses and go outside to a park or somewhere by a river where it is cool and grassy. They have fun by playing games, singing, and dancing They also have a wonderful picnic and eat and relax; this ends the Nowrooz celebration until next year.