Iranians leave houses to get rid of "evil spirits" on 13th day of Nawruz

According to a pre-Islamic tradition, on the 13th day of Nawruz, the New Year according to the Iranian solar and lunar calendar, all Iranians have to leave their houses to get rid of evil spirits and troubles in the coming year.

This unusual day, which is the end of the two week New Year celebrations, is called "sizdah be dar," which means "out on the 13th day."

On the 13th day, everyone in Iran takes all the necessary things with them, including food and dishes, and goes to parks, gardens or the mountains so that their deserted houses can be cleansed of evil.

Iranians believe that contact with nature will give them new strength for living fruitful and creative lives.