17/03/2024
HAFT-SIN TABLE FOR NOROUZ (PERSIAN NEW YEAR)
If you are wondering how to set up an epic haft-sin table for Norouz this year, or are just curious to learn about Persian New Year traditions, then you have come to the right place. I am sharing everything I know about the traditional 7-sin table that appears in almost every Iranian household during the spring season including tips on how to set it up, what to include, and delicious Persian sweets to enjoy when celebrating the New Year.
WHAT IS A HAFT SIN?
The traditional "halftsin" (or haftseen) literally translates to "seven S's". It is an arrangement of seven items that all begin with the letter S in Farsi (the Persian language). These spreads can be large an elaborate with beautiful hand-crafted vases to hold each item, or can be small and compact for those living in smaller spaces. It is customary to set up a sofreh haftseen a few days prior to the New Year and remain for 13 days after the New Year.
Each item is included in the haft-seen table for a specific reason and carries a symbolic meaning for the new year. These are the 7 essential items:
Sabzeh - wheatgrass or lentil sprouts grown in a dish.
Samanu - a sweet pudding made from wheat germ.
Senjed - dried oleaster (or dried fruit of a lotus tree)
Seer - garlic
Seeb - apple
Sumac - a crushed spice
Serkeh - vinegar
In addition to these required pieces, there are other symbolic items that are normally placed on the haft-sin table. These include a mirror, candlesticks and candles, goldfish, hyacinth flowers, a Persian poetry book, painted eggs, coins, and an array of decadent Persian pastries.
WHAT DO EACH OF THE SEVEN S'S SYMBOLIZE?
Each item is included in the haftseen for a specific reason and carries a symbolic meaning for the new year. The wheatgrass represents rebirth. The sweet pudding represents affluence. The dried fruit represents love. Garlic represents medicine and healthy, apple represents beauty, sumac represents sunrise, and vinegar represents age and patience.
The additional items that are typically included also each symbolize an important element in the new year. A mirror symbolizes self-reflection. Candles represent light. Goldfish represents life. Eggs represent fertility. Coins represent wealth and prosperity.
