If you followed my last Persian New Year post you already know how excited I was to set up my haftseen {Persian New Year spread} with Shally Zomorodi this year. We did an Instagram LIVE together and I shared my ideas and tips on how to create a traditional (and modern) Persian New Year spread.
Here is what I pulled together this year and I must say it was extra special to me because I collaborated with a talented friend and florist Alina {Alina Fiore} who amplified the vision I had for my haftseen with her most gorgeous blooms. It was all so pretty, it was hard to take down.
If you are unfamiliar with Persian New Year, Norooz in its literal translation means New Day – “No” means New and “Ruz” means Day. It is observed based on the Persian calendar and it is a celebration of the beginning of Spring marking the first day of Spring as the first day of the new year. Norooz has Persian and Zoroastrian origin however there are many ethnic groups around the world that celebrate Norooz as it is based on the Gregorian calendar.
The way Iranian’s prepare for the arrival of Norooz is by setting and prettifying a table spread (also known as a Sofreh 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”.
Below is a brief breakdown of the traditional Haftseen items:
{HAFTSEEN SPREAD}
{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
{SOMAGH} sumac – symbolizing the sunrise
{Other items that are used on the spread that don’t start with the letter “S”}
Mirror and lit candles – symbolizing enlightenment and happiness
Decorated eggs – symbolizing fertility and family
A bowl with goldfish – symbolizing life
Holy book {depending on faith} – symbolizing God’s blessing
Traditional pastries, nuts, and dried fruits – symbolizing food and feasts
Flowers, flowers, and more flowers
I hope that you find inspiration and enjoy this annual Persian New Year post of mine. Wishing you and yours all the best to come.
STYLING, DESIGN, + PHOTOGRAPHY: Parisa Kaprealian
FLORAL DESIGN: Alina Fiore
