Nowruz Mobarak to my fellow Persians! For those who are not familiar with Persian traditions, in Iran, Nowruz marks the Persian new year and the Spring equinox. Nowruz, just as Spring, symbolizes rebirth and new beginnings, and with it we celebrate new life. Nowruz is filled with sacred traditions and rituals.
A very important tradition is to set a Haft-seen altar in your home. Haft-seen means seven S's in Farsi. This alter features at least seven objects that start with the letter S, these objects are symbolisms of what you would like to welcome in the new year. These are the essential 7 S's according to Persian tradition:
Sir (garlic) symbolizes cure and medicine.
Samanu (pudding made from wheat germ) for affluence.
Seeb (apple) symbol of fertility, beauty and health.
Serkeh (vinegar) symbol of patience, age and immortality.
Sabzeh (wheat, barley, lentil Sprouts) for rebirth and renewal.
Somaq (berries) symbolizing the color of sunrise.
Senjed (dried fruit of olraster tree) symbolizing love.
We also add:
- Sonbol (hyacinth flower) symbolizing the beginning of spring.
- Sekkeh (gold coins) symbol of abundance, prosperity and wealth.
- Sham (candle) symbolizing enlightenment and wisdom
- ShÃrÃnà (Persian sweets) symbolizing kindness and sweetness.
And other non-S symbols such as:
- Tokhmeh Morgh (egg) symbolizing fertility.
- A mirror which embodies self-reflection and introspection.
This is how we celebrated it at home...
NOWRUZ WITH THE NOWROUZI'S
This is one of the most special traditions in Iranian culture, and definitely my favorite time of the year!
With love and good health,
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