The Persian Nowruz !

The word "Nowruz" is a compound of two Persian words, "now" which has the same etymology as the English word "new" and means new, and the word "ruz" which means both "day" and "time." Literally meaning the "new day," nowruz is usually translated as "new year." The Persian Nowruz begins on the very first moment of spring equinox (usually the 21st of March). The 21st of March, therefore, is equal to the 1st day of Farvardin of the Persian solar calendar. Although Nowruz is adorned with the beliefs and traditions of the Iranian people, it has a close link with one of the most important aspect of life of all nations on the earth. The creation of the world at the beginning of spring, growing of plants and hope in renewing the nature's life are among the most important characteristics of Nowruz.