Happy, healthy and prosperous Nowruz to everyone! A video from our Team depicting the seven “seen” items affiliated with this day!
Haft-seen (Persian: هفتسین) is an arrangement of seven symbolic items whose names start with the letter “س” (pronounced as “seen”), the 15th letter in the Persian alphabet; “haft” (هفت) is Persian for “seven”.[1][2] It is traditionally displayed at Nowruz, the New Year, which is celebrated on the day of the vernal equinox, marking the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere.
Haft-seen table.
Items of Haft-sin Symbolic Roots of Haft-sin
The Haft-Seen table represents nature. By tradition, Iranian families take great pains to create the most beautiful Haft-Seen table that they can, for not only does it embody values both traditional and spiritual, it is also appreciated by the visitors during Nowruz visiting exchanges as a reflection of the families’ aesthetic sense and good taste. Items that start with Persian letter “س”:
Sabzeh (سبزه): Sprouting /Grass: the symbol of rebirth and growth.
Samanu (سمنو): Samanu: the symbol of power and strength.
Senjed (سنجد): Elaeagnus angustifolia: the symbol of love.
Somāq (سماق): Sumac: the symbol of sunrise.
Serkeh (سرکه): Vinegar: the symbol of patience.
Seeb (سیب): Apple: the symbol of beauty.
Seer (سیر): Garlic: the symbol of health and medicine. Other items that start with Persian letter “س” that are sometimes included:
Sonbol (سنبل): Hyacinth: the symbol of spring’s arrival.
Sekkeh (سکه): Coin: the symbol of wealth and prosperity.
Tokhm-e Morg Rangi (تخممرغ رنگی): Eggs: the symbol of fertility.
Ayina (آینه): Mirror: the symbol of self-reflection.
Shem’a (شمع): Candle: the symbol of enlightenment.
Maahi-ye Qırmız (ماهی قرمز): Goldfish: the symbol of progress.
Ketaab (کتاب): Book: the symbol of wisdom
