Whilst Persian New Year celebrations in recent years have been muted because of the ongoing human rights violations by the regime, it is still an important time of year for all Persian people. It marks the end of one year, and the beginning of another.
Nowruz
Nowruz, also known as the Persian New Year, is an ancient festival that marks the beginning of spring and celebrates the renewal of nature.
Its origins can be traced back over 3,000 years to the Zoroastrian tradition in ancient Persia.
Nowruz has been celebrated by various cultures and civilizations across the Middle East, Central Asia, and beyond. It has survived centuries of political, cultural, and religious changes, evolving into a multicultural and multi-ethnic festival celebrated by millions of people worldwide.
It is celebrated with various rituals, including cleaning the home, visiting family and friends, preparing special foods, and engaging in symbolic activities to welcome the arrival of spring and the new year.
One such activity is the preparation of the Haft Seen, also known as the “Seven S’s,”
It is a traditional table setting for Nowruz, the Persian New Year. It typically includes seven symbolic items, each starting with the Persian letter “seen.”
The items commonly include:
1. Sabzeh: Sprouted wheat or lentil representing rebirth and growth.
2. Samanu: Sweet pudding symbolising affluence and fertility.
3. Senjed: Dried oleaster fruit symbolising love and affection.
4. Seer: Garlic representing medicine and good health.
5. Seeb: Apple symbolising beauty and health.
6. Somāq: Sumac berries representing the colour of sunrise and the victory of light over darkness.
7. Serkeh: Vinegar symbolising age and patience.
In addition to these seven items, other traditional elements may be included on the Haft Seen table, such as a mirror symbolising reflection and self-reflection, candles representing enlightenment, decorated eggs symbolising fertility, and goldfish symbolising life.
Symbolic Significance
Each item carries symbolic significance related to health, prosperity, happiness, and renewal, reflecting the themes of Nowruz.
A traditional Nowruz meal is a feast rich in symbolism and flavour, reflecting the themes of renewal, prosperity, and abundance.
It typically begins with Sabzi Polo ba Mahi, a dish of herbed rice cooked with fresh green herbs such as parsley, dill, cilantro, and fenugreek, served with fried or grilled fish symbolising life and abundance.
May the year 2583 bring you and your families health and happiness, and freedom for Iran.
Nowruzetan pirooz!
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