Anyways so little tidbits about the new year. For most Persians Norooz is more of a cultural Christmas. Norooz per se a religious holiday because it is celebrated by many religions, but some chose to intertwine their beliefs into the holiday. Norooz like every other holiday is just an excuse to spend time with family and friends, as well as, eat. Eat lots and lots of Persian food. Everyone wears new clothes and goes to one another's homes. Everyone enters homes by saying Salaam (hello) and Norooz Mobarak (Happy New Year) and when leaving the elders give the younger children money and/or gifts.
But one key component to Norooz is this thing called a Sofreh Haft Seen meaning "the Seven S's of the New Year". Sofreh is a table setting and Haft means the number seven and finally Seen is a letter that makes the same sound as S. So we set up a table with seven items that start with the letter S. Below Ive listed the items that we place on the Sofreh Haft Seen. It states the Persian name, the definition and the position, that includes hyperlinks to a really interesting site that explains norooz and all the pre and post festivities.
But one key component to Norooz is this thing called a Sofreh Haft Seen meaning "the Seven S's of the New Year". Sofreh is a table setting and Haft means the number seven and finally Seen is a letter that makes the same sound as S. So we set up a table with seven items that start with the letter S. Below Ive listed the items that we place on the Sofreh Haft Seen. It states the Persian name, the definition and the position, that includes hyperlinks to a really interesting site that explains norooz and all the pre and post festivities.
Persian Name | Definition | Description & Symbolism | Position |
Sabzeh | Spring Sprouts | Made from wheat or lentil this S signifies rebirth and renewal. Read about how you grow these sprouts at home. | The First S on the Sofreh. |
Senjed | A sweet, dry fruit of a lotus tree | The fragrant and blooming lotus tree makes people fall in love so it is natural that its fruit would signify love and affection | The Second S on the Sofreh |
Sib | Apple | A big red apple represents health and beauty. | Third S on the Sofreh |
Wheat Pudding | Wheat and wheat products signify sweetness and fertility. | Fourth S on the Sofreh | |
Serkeh | Vinegar | White Vinegar signifies age and patience. | Fifth S on the Sofreh |
Somagh | Crushed Sumac berries | This S symbolizes the spice of life. Some say Somagh represents the color of the sunrise and with the sun all evil is conquered. | Sixth S on the Sofreh |
Seer | Garlic | This medicinal S is a sign of good health. | Seventh S on the Sofreh |
Sekeh | Gold Coins | Wealth and Prosperity | Optional S. |
Mahi | Goldfish | Gold Fish in a clear white bowl represents life and the end of the astral year associated with the constellation Pisces. | On the Sofreh |
Ayne | A Mirror | To bring light & brightness into the New Year | Head of the Sofreh |
Sha’am | Two Candelabras | Candles large or small can be used and symbolize fire & energy. | On either side of the mirror. |
Tokhm-e Morgh | Decorated Eggs | Symbolizes fertility. Eggs are painted by children much like Easter eggs are painted. | On the Sofreh. Can be as elaborate as desired. |
Ajil | Assorted Nuts | Persians love nuts. They can be roasted pistachios, walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts | On the Sofreh |
Scriptures | Koran, Bible, Torah, Avesta or other Scriptures, or Poetry depending on beliefs | Symbolizes blessings and faith in the New Year. You can also place a Divan-e Hafez or other book of faith and knowledge. | Placed in the middle. Put money in the pages of the book and give out as gifts to kids on the day of Norooz. |
Shirini | Sweets & Pastries | Noghl, Baaghlavaa, Toot, Noon-e Berenji, Noon-e Nokhodchi and any other sweets you prefer | On the Sofreh |
Esfand or Esphand | Wild Rue | It keeps the evil eye away and brings on health. | Nearby |
The Sofreh Haft Seen is our Christmas tree and yes we even have a Santa Clause, we call him Amoo Norooz. He brings all the kids gifts on Norooz, and his partner in crime Hajji Firooz wears the red costume. ;-) But unlike Christmas, Norooz is celebrated for 13 days. And then there is one last celebration 13 Bedar, I'll probably explain that more in detail when it comes around.
This is what a final version of a Sofreh Haft Seen would look like:
Norooz Mobarak! (Happy New year!)
2 comments:
Hey this is cool I had no idea how the Persian New Year was celebrated. Thanks for sharing.
NoRuz Mobarak!
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