WASHINGTON, DC.- For the second year, the Freer and Sackler galleries will mark the Persian New Year, known as “Nowruz,” with traditional displays of the haft sin table, fire jumping, storytelling, live music, art making, delicious food and more. The Persian New Year formally begins March 20, the first day of spring, but the Freer and Sackler galleries will begin celebrating Sunday, March 7, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dating to 3,000 B.C.E., Nowruz is rooted in Zoroastrianism, the religion of Iran before Islam, and marks the vernal equinox, or the beginning of spring. Today, it is celebrated in Iran, Afghanistan, Central Asian countries and Lebanon. “We are thrilled to host our second Nowruz event,” said Marjan Adib, head of Strategy and Policy Implementation at the galleries. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for families to gather from many different cultures, backgrounds and ages to celebrate the arrival