My Persian New Year {Norooz} spread this year is one of my favorites yet! I know I have said that before but this one really is. It is my favorite because my children are so into it. They are both at an age where they want to participate in growing our lentil sprouts {sabzeh}, feeding our fish {mahi}, and they’re just so curious as to what is going on. At the same time they want to touch everything and I’m not sure how long it I can keep the spread together (help).
My inspiration for my design this year is my favorite color, French blue – and clearly I went all in with the blue details. I kept everything semi neutral allowing the blue to stand out. I used all faux florals, my signature touch, since becoming a busy mama with less time on my hands to play with fresh florals. The only living flower used on my spread is the hyacinth which is one of the traditional elements of the Persian New Year spread {haftseen}.
I would love to share a little recap on what Persian New Year is about for my new readers. Norooz in its literal translation means New Day – “No” means New and “Ruz” means Day. It is observed based on the Persian calendar and this year we are getting ready to ring in 1398. We prettify a table spread (also known as a Haftseen) with symbolic and traditional items that represent many elements in our life and new year to come. Seven specific items are placed on the spread that start with the letter “S” or to be more specific the Persian letter “Seen”. Haftseen in its literal translation means 7 (Haft) seens. 7 “S’s”. Okay, no more language lessons here, ha ha. Below is a brief breakdown of the traditional Haftseen items:
{HAFTSEEN SPREAD}
{sabzeh} wheat or lentil sprouts growing in a dish – symbolizing rebirth
{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
{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
This observance has been celebrated for over a few thousand years and is one of the most anticipated for Persians/Iranians. The new year is celebrated for 13 days and the actual new year always falls on the Spring Equinox. Some of our traditions include prettifying our Haftseen table as I mentioned previously, Spring cleaning, visiting family and friends, buying new clothes, and gifting money to children. On the 13th day we finish off the celebrations by attending Seezdeh Beedar which is the ritual of attending a park and picnicking. These parks are usually full of other Persians/Iranians there to celebrate as well so it becomes a very big festivity full of food, dancing and of course a lot of mixing and mingling.
Wishing all of my readers who celebrate this ancient and traditional celebration a very happy, HEALTHY, and prosperous new year. May you and yours be blessed always. Pisha pish noroozehtoon mobarak!
ALL FLORALS + DESIGN BY YOURS TRULY
