All Iranians participate in this celebration regardless of their religious beliefs. This holiday, which is in honor of spring, symbolizes rebirth and renewal and thus appropriately marks the Iranian New Year. It can last anywhere from 14 to 20 days.

According to the epic Persian poem, the Shahnameh, the tradition of Nowruz was created by legendary King Jamshid. After a series of harsh and severe winters, King Jamshid celebrated the arrival of spring for his people, the Iranians, with great abundance and joy and thus the celebration of Nowruz became an annual event. It is said that King Jamshid's rule which lasted for several hundred years, was a glorious one of prosperity and happiness. Nowruz did not end with Jamshid's passing, but rather was strengthened through the centuries to become the all encompassing and glorious celebration of rebirth and renewal that it is today.