Noodles represent obstacles in life, so eating noodles symbolically means unraveling knotty problems in life. Norooz symbolizes a time of renewal and rebirth in nature and in Iranian homes. Zoroastrians believed that guardian angels came to people's homes during the Norooz celebration, and therefore cleaned the house to welcome the angels. Annual Norooz cleaning is national tradition in Iran. The spring cleaning in the Western culture closely resembles this Persian custom.
Families wash their carpets, wax their furniture, and redecorate their homes.
The spirit of Norooz takes over the household. All family members, especially children, buy at least one set of new clothes for the New Year. Norooz is a time to renew friendships and family ties. During the Norooz holiday, which extends to thirteen days in Iran, families visit their relatives and friends to celebrate old family bonds and friendships. To show respect for the elderly, families usually visit grandparents' homes first.