See the latest slideshow of the children from the RAWA orphanages celebrating Nouruz or New Year.  Read below a brief history of Nouruz written by RAWA. View the slideshow here.

Nouruz or New Year had a different meaning today in Afghanistan and Iran. Once was celebrated by the people as the most joyful holidays of all events of the year but now the religious fascists in both countries have overshadowed Norouz by their religious holidays.

Tradition dates Noruz as far back as 15,000 years ago -- before the end of the last ice age. The mythical King Jamshid symbolizes the transition of the Persians from animal hunting to animal husbandry and a more settled life in human history. Seasons played a vital part then. Everything depended on the four seasons. After a severe winter, the beginning of spring was a great occasion with mother nature rising up in a green robe of colorful flowers and the cattle delivering their young. It was the dawn of abundance. Jamshid is said to be the person who introduced Noruz celebrations.

How the Afghan children who have been exposed to more than anybody will understand the true strength of their ancient tradition. These kids of RAWA orphanages try to keep their country's original tradition alive. They took a day off to have a big party for Nouroz.