PERSIAN NEW YEAR 2022 | NOROOZ 1401

April 8, 2022

This year was the first year I got really vibrant and colorful with my Haft-Seen designs {Persian New Year spread}. Those who know me know me well, know that I stick close to soft colors when it comes to my designs. This year may have forever changed me because I loved the bold and beautiful impact of all the colors we brought to life. The combination of colors we brought to fruition were sure signs of Spring and pure happiness.

It was a pleasure to have worked alongside my go-to florist and friend Alina Fiore to bring Leyla Milani’s vision to life. I have said it before and I am saying it again, Alina’s florals exponentially elevate my vision time after time again, and she never ceases to amaze me. All of the tabletop decor was custom made or curated by me. A few of the glass butterfly dishes I used on this Haft-Seen were especially curated for Leyla by me.

If you are unfamiliar with Norooz {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 Haft-Seen) 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”. Haft-Seen in its literal translation means 7 (Haft) seens. 7 “S’s”.

Below is a brief breakdown of the traditional Haft-Seen items:

{HAFTSEEN SPREAD}

{SABZEH} wheat or lentil sprouts growing in a dish – symbolizing growth and renewal
{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 and sunset

{Other items that are used on the spread that don’t start with the letter “S”}

Mirror and lit candles – symbolizing self reflection, enlightenment and happiness
Decorated eggs – symbolizing fertility and family
A bowl with goldfish – symbolizing life
Holy book {depending on faith and optional} – 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.