As the sun enters the constellation Aries from Pisces on the stroke of the equinox, Tahivil, the passage, is announced by firing cannons and on radio and television. The oldest person present begins the well-wishing by standing up and giving everyone a sweet pastry, some gold or silver coins,and lots of hugs. Happiness, sweetness, and perfumed odors are very important on this day of rebirth, since the mood on this day is said to continue throughout the year. The New year celebration continues for twelve days after the younger members of the family who visit their older relatives and friends in order to show their respect. Sweet pastries and delicious frosty drinks are served to visitors and there is a general air of festivity all around.
Children receive gifts, usually crisp new notes of money.
In the remaining days, the elders return the visits of the younger members of the family. On the thirteenth day of Nowuz, called Sizdeh bedar, literally outdoor thirteen, entire families leave their homes to carry trays of sprouted seeds in a procession to go picnic in a cool, grassy place. Far from home, they throw the sprouts into the water and complete the process of the end of one year and rebirth of another. Rice with fresh Herbs and Fish, sabzi polpo ba mahi, are the traditional meal. Fresh herb rice represents rebirth, fish represents life.