PERSIAN NEW YEAR {NOROOZ} 1402

March 20, 2023

With the ongoing revolution happening in Iran, Norooz (Persian New Year) will feel a lot different for Iranians around the world this year. That being said, our rich and ancient history should be kept alive and our beautiful cultural traditions should continue to be celebrated. My vision and design direction for my haft-seen this year was done with high hopes for freedom for Iran. May the fight for freedom and all the lives lost not be in vain.

If you are unfamiliar with Norooz {Persian / Iranian 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 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

Beh Omeedeh Azadi