Many people dress up as Hadji firooz,who is a symbolic character of the New Year, just as Santa Claus is a of christmas. Hadji Firooz wears a red satin costume 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 lineup and jump over the fire. This is to bring light and happiness throughout the coming year. Children run through the streets. They bang on post and pans with spoons to beat out the last unlucky Wednesday of the year. They knock on door 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, give 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 the New Year starts, families leave their houses and go outside to a park or somewhere by a river where it is coo and grassy, They have fun by playing games, singing, and dancing. They also have a wonderful picnic and eat relax; this ends the Nowrooz celebration until next year.