NOURNEWS: Spring heralds Norouz, the Persian New Year, celebrated among Farsi-speaking nations with special rituals and traditional costumes. One of these cherished rituals is the spreading of the Haft-Seen, imbued with deep symbolic meanings.

 In Persian, haft-seen literally means “seven things that start with the letter S” (haft is the word for the number seven and seen is the word for the letter S). These items symbolize hopes for a successful and happy new year. There are other items on Haf-seen table. Let’s review them on the eve of Norouz, the Persian New Year:

Seeb, apple, symbolizes beauty

Sekeh, coins, symbolize prosperity and wealth

Senjed, a sweet, dry fruit of the lotus family, symbolizes love

Sonbol, hyacinth, symbolizes the spring season and renewal

Somagh, sumac berries, symbolize the spice of life

Sabzeh, sprouts (or wheat grass), symbolizes new life

Serkeh, vinegar symbolizes age and wisdom

Seer, garlic, for good health