If you follow my posts both here and socially, you already know that Persian New Year (Norooz) is my favorite time of the year. Two years ago this time of year I was expecting my first child and again this year I am expecting my second child due to arrive around the new year festivities.
Keeping up with Norooz tradition is very important to me so I wanted to make sure that I set up the traditional spread before I get too busy with my biggest blessings. I usually designate a specific table and unique mirror for my Haftseen spread but this year I had no energy or time to move furniture around. So I opted to use my small console table that is a favorite piece in my home, along with the mirror that regularly accents it. As pretty of a corner it is to me, it is quite small – so I had to keep all of my Haftseen pieces small and delicate. I used all faux flowers (except for my hyacinth) from Michaels to prettify the spread as I’m not as mobile to spend the time I use to at the fresh flower market. Nothing beats fresh flowers but I have to admit I do love the selection of faux flowers I was able to curate. Spring bloom selections are the best and when picking faux flowers, you really have to pick carefully to avoid them looking too artificial. In my opinion, ONE wrong stem can ruin the bunch.
As always, here is a brief breakdown of what the items on the Haftseen symbolize:
sabzeh – wheat or lentil sprouts growing in a dish – symbolizing growth
samanoo – a sweet pudding made from wheat germ – symbolizing wealth
senjed – the dried fruit of the oleaster tree – symbolizing love
seer – garlic – symbolizing medicine
seeb – apples – symbolizing beauty and health
serkeh – vinegar – symbolizing age and patience
sekkeh – coins – prosperity and wealth
sonbol – hyacinth flower symbolizing the start of spring
sumac – symbolizing the sunrise
{OTHER ITEMS THAT ARE ALSO USED ON THE SPREAD}
a mirror and lit candles – symbolizing enlightenment and happiness
decorated eggs – symbolizing fertility
a bowl with goldfish – symbolizing life
holy book {depending on faith} – symbolizing God’s blessing
I hope to blog and connect more in the near future. Right now everything has taken a back seat to my growing family.
I wish my readers who celebrate a very happy and healthy new year! Thanks for stopping by! Aideh Noroozeh hamehgee mobarak!
{POST EDIT: I put the fish in a bigger bowl after I photographed my spread}