Here’s a breakdown of what’s usually means
- Somaq – color of the sun at sunrise
- Senjed – Sweet dried fruit from the lotus tree, representing love and affection.
- Serkeh – Vinegar, age and patience; wards off bitterness in life
- Seeb – Apples, representing health and beauty.
- Sir – Garlic, medicine for recovering from evil .
- Samanu – Wheat pudding, which stands for fertility and the sweetness of life.
- Sabzeh – Sprouted wheat grass, symbolizing rebirth and the renewal of nature.
Haftsin, or seven edible things the names of which in Persian begin with the letter “sin” or “s”, are placed in a tray or, are placed together in a special arrangement.
But the haft-seen table isn’t just about these seven items. Families often add other meaningful objects too, like
- A mirror to reflect on the past year.
- An orange in a bowl of water to represent the Earth.
- Goldfish to symbolize new life.
- Colored eggs for fertility.
- Coins to wish for prosperity in the coming year.
- Hyacinth flowers to mark the arrival of spring.
- Candles to radiate light and joy.
Some families also like to add personal items, such as the Qur’an or the Shahnameh (an ancient Persian epic), making the table even more meaningful. It’s all about starting the new year with fresh hope, gratitude, and the promise of a bright future.
The haft-seen table truly brings people together, and every item on it has a special meaning that ties into the spirit of renewal and new beginnings.
Sa’at-e Tahvil:Start with Cannon Fire
Sa’at-e Tahvil is the heart of the Nowruz celebration in Iran, marking the exact moment when the old year ends and the new one begins.
This tradition start with the sound of cannon fire ,and a short speech The moment arrives with the sound of cannon fire, a short speech from the leader, and a celebratory song.
Just before midnight, everyone gathers around the Haftsin table, dressed in their new clothes, holding a lucky coin. They watch a single egg sitting on a mirror, representing the world. When the egg finally rolls, it symbolizes the shift into the new year, and that’s when the real celebration begins!
There are hugs, kisses, and everyone exchanges wishes for a happy new year. Afterward, the children head out to visit the elders and share the joy.
Eating egg first to bring good fortune
Here are some of the strangest believes that persian people have
1.Traditions say the first food you eat should be an egg, believed to bring good fortune.
2. The first person to walk into your home after Sa’at-e Tahvil is said to determine the luck of the house for the coming year. That’s why a lucky family member is chosen to be the first visitor.
3.Even the color of what’s brought into the home matters—white is good luck, while black signals trouble.
Sizdah Bedar
The Nowruz celebrations end on the thirteenth day with Sizdah Bedar, where families head outdoors to enjoy nature and officially say goodbye to winter. They throw the Sabzeh (sprouted wheat) into flowing water, symbolizing the release of last year’s worries and sins. Unmarried women tie the Sabzeh while singing.
“sal-e dige, bachcheh dar baghal, khune-ye showhar!”
(Let next year find me in my husband’s house with a baby in my arms!”)
Alak Dolak Game
For some lighthearted fun, there’s Alak Dolak—a game played with two pieces of wood, usually by children. It’s a way to enjoy the holiday and bond with friends and family.
Nature’s Day vs. Sizdah Bedar
There’s been talk of renaming Sizdah Bedar to Ruz-e Tabi’at (Nature’s Day), but it’s much more than just celebrating nature. It’s about bidding farewell to winter and welcoming a fresh new season. It’s the perfect way to wrap up the Nowruz celebrations with a sense of closure and renewal.
For more information about the rituals, performed during nowruz,check here and you will find more interesting stuff. Happy nowruz
