Norouz Celebrations In Iran

An Iranian boy jumps over a fire in an ancient festival called Chaharshanbe Suri (Wednesday Fire) on the last Wednesday prior to Norouz - http://www.kosoof.com/photo/00080-09-4shanbe-soori.jpg Noruz08

The market in Khoramabad fills with shoppers preparing for the two-week Norouz holiday - Noruz08

Norouz is the Persian New Year, but is also a celebration of spring - Noruz08

Part of Norouz celebrations in Iran includes buying new clothes for the new year - Noruz08

A family gathers around a "haft sin" table, prepared with symbolic items - Noruz08

The "haft sin" table includes apples to represent beauty and health, a hyacinth to signify rebirth - Noruz08

Many Iranians travel during the Norouz holiday to visit family and friends - Noruz08

A bowl of water with a goldfish is often included on the "haft sin" table to represent life within life - Noruz08

Plants symbolize rebirth and a fresh start to the new year - Noruz08