Nowruz

 

The Persian New Year, Nowruz, coincides with the Spring Equinox. Nowruz is a cultural celebration in Iran and has been celebrated for centuries.A few days prior to the New Year, a special cover is spread on to the Persian Carpet or on a table in every Persian household. The ceremonial table is called cloth of seven dishes (each one beginning with the Persian letter cinn) The number seven has been sacred in Iran since the ancient times, and the seven dishes stand for seven angelic herald of life-rebirth, health, happiness, prosperity, joy, patience, and beauty. It is customary for families to gather around the Haft Seen at the moment of the Spring Equinox and celebrate the transition from winter into spring together. 

The main items are: 

1. Somagh (sumac) : symbolizes the color of sunrise
2. Serkeh (vinegar): symbolizes age and patience
3. Senjed (dried fruit from lotus tree): symbolizes love
4. Samanoo (sweet pudding): symbolizes affluence
5. Sabzeh (sprouts): symbolizes rebirth
6. Sib (apple): symbolizes health and beauty
7. Sir (garlic): symbolizes medicine 

Additional items that begin with the letter “s” that are commonly seen on the Sofreh are: 

Sekkeh (coin): symbolizes wealth and prosperity
Sonbol (hyacinth): a spring spring flower 

Other items included are: 

Mahi (fish): symbolizes life
Tokhmeh Morgh (egg): symbolizes fertility
Sham (candle): symbolizes enlightenment
Shirini (sweets): symbolizes spreading the sweetness
A book of poetry or prayer