Nowruz

The New Year's celebration that happens each spring equinox. In addition to the Haft Seen, the ritual table set out to honor the virtues of Ahura Mazda, this celebration often includes the ritual sacrifice of a ox, or Gav-e Naer, in honor of the ritual slaying of Haoma godess of the moon by Mithra, which represents the sun taking over from the darkness.

During the time after The Quieting , Hoama was often replaced by Dendar, and the ritual took on a more serious sacrifical nature, with families giving up warmth, light, and food, sometimes livestock or even children, in order to appease the gods and ask for a reprieve from the endless winter. Today, since The Awakening, the ritual sacrifice is often more festive and celebratory, and villages honor Mithra's victory over darkness and undeath.