Also a general amnesty was declared for convicts of minor crimes. The pillars were removed on the 16th day and the festival came to a close. The occasion was celebrated, on a lower level, by all peoples throughout the empire. Since then, the peoples of the Iranian culture, whether Zartoshtis, Jews, Christians, Muslims, Baha is, or others, have celebrated Norooz precisely at the time of vernal equinox, the first day of the first month, on about March 21. Today, the ceremony has been simplified.
Every house gets a thorough cleaning almost a month before.
Wheat, barley, lentils, and other vegetables seeds are soaked to grow on china plates and round earthenware vessels some ten days in advance, so that the sprouts are three to four inches in height by Norooz. A table is laid. Those with sh include wine, sugar, syrup, honey, candy, milk, and rice-pudding. Here in North America, these may be substituted with English words that would alliterate, rhyme, or make mouths water. The seven articles are prominently exhibited in small bowls or plates on the table.