Nowruz is the Persian New Year, an ancient celebration of life.
Nowruz means 'new day' in Persian and is the most important festival of the year in Iran. It is also celebrated in a number of other countries across the Middle East, Central Asia, South Asia, the Balkans and East Africa, and dates back at least 3,000 years.
A Haft-sin table is . The items are arranged on a tablecloth and each name begins with the Persian letter "S" (sin). The table is traditionally set by women.
Items on a Haft-sin table
- Sabzeh: Sprouted wheat, barley, or lentils that symbolize rebirth and regrowth
- Samanu: Sweet pudding made from wheat germ that symbolizes fertility and affluence
- Senjed: Dried oleaster fruit that symbolizes love and affection
- Seer: Garlic that symbolizes good health
- Seeb: Apples that symbolize health and beauty
- Serkeh: Vinegar that symbolizes patience and age
- Somaq: Crushed spice of berries that symbolizes the sunrise and the spice of life