ESL Blogs

New Year - Noruz

NEW YEAR TABLE

• The traditional Noruz table called "Sofreh haft-seen" consisted of seven (7) kinds of food each starts with letter "sin" in Persian (Farsi) similar to the letter "s" in English -- symbolizing life, health, wealth, abundance, love, patience, and purity.

• Sabzeh, wheat or lentil sprouts represents rebirth.

• Samanu, a creamy pudding made from wheat germ is regarded as holy.

• Seeb, apple symbolizes health and beauty.

• Senjid, the dried fruit of lotus tree for love.

• Sir, garlic which is considered medicinal represents health.

• Somagh, sumac berries represents the color of sun and the victory of good over evil.

• Serkeh, vinegar represents old age and patience.

• There are other things you can place on the table which may not begin with letter 's' but have significance. For instance, a book symbolizing wisdom (Koran or other holy books or some people may put poetry books from Iranian poets).
  
  
• Sekeh, coin representing wealth.
  
  
• Sonbol and Laleh (hyacinth and tulip) two flowers symbolize spring.

• Painted eggs stands for fertility of people and land.

• A mirror to symbolize reflection of life, candles to represent happiness and goldfish to represent life.

• The table may also include an orange floating in a bowl of water to symbolize planet earth floating in space.