BOB ABERNETHY, anchor: This Monday (March 26), the world's remaining Zoroastrians -- followers of the Prophet Zoroaster in ancient Persia -- will commemorate the birth of the Prophet. This week (March 21) also brought the celebration of spring and the beginning of the Zoroastrian New Year. The holiday is called Norooz.

Zoroastrianism teaches that people should do good to help their one God in his cosmic struggle with the power of evil.

We visited a Zoroastrian family of Iranian-Americans, the Aiduns, in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

FARZAD AIDUN (hugging his children): Happy Norooz!

Norooz is celebrated at the precise moment that spring arrives.

The Prophet Zoroaster's message was very universal, centered around the tenets of good thoughts, good words and good deeds.

The Haft Seen table is central to the Norooz celebration. "Seen" is one of the letters of the alphabet. Items beginning with the letter "seen" are traditionally put on the table.

(Chanting the Ashem Vohu -- prayers).

There's a misconception amongst many that, you know, Zoroastrians are fire worshippers. Traditionally, it's customary to pray in front of the fire or pray towards a light source. Light is very significant in the Zoroastrian religion, and it's a sign of knowledge and wisdom.

(to his son): Now look in the mirror…