Springing Into Norooz
Let’s talk about culture. Most in the US have been shown a constant barrage of negative images from the Middle East over the past 30 years. However, that’s not my experience. There’s a richness in the food, traditions, and style that I’ve been exposed to. I want to paint you a different picture from my culture; one that celebrates the reality of the beautiful Persian culture I know. I offer you a small glimpse into Persian New Year, a celebration that toasts personal growth, beauty, the decadence of life, and refreshing oneself after long hardships while forging new paths forward. Norooz is all about moving forward and rebuilding what’s been lost. The decadence of Persian New Year gives off nothing more than what we all need right now as the COVID saga comes to a close….fresh and fancy Norooz vibes that literally translate to a “new beginning.” We deserve to celebrate.
The world is changing and it feels like a new beginning which is perfect timing for the Persian New Year known as “Norooz”. Tomorrow will mark the Spring Equinox, the first day of Spring, and the first day of the Persian New Year.
The Seven S’s
The Haft-Seen table represents nature and constant renewal. By tradition, Iranian families take great pains to create a beautiful and decadent Haft-Seen table. To us, it embodies ancient values both traditional and spiritual. Since it is appreciated during Norooz visiting exchanges, this display directly reflects the families' aesthetic sense and good taste, and it is important to “wow” the guest with an extravagant display.
The Haftseen encompasses the following items that have the “S” sound:
Sabzeh: wheat or lentil sprout growing in a dish, symbolizing rebirth
Samanu: sweet pudding from wheat germ, representing affluence
Senjeh: dried silverberry, for love
Sir: garlic, representing medicine
Sib: apples, for beauty and health
Sumac: a dried Persian spice the color of sunrise
Serkeh: vinegar, for patience
Sonbol: Hyacinth flower, for spring
Other items included:
Eggs: the symbol of fertility
Mirror: the symbol of self-reflection
Candle: the symbol of enlightenment
Goldfish: the symbol of progress
Religious Book: the symbol of wisdom
Every Detail Counts
Today, we celebrate Persian New Year with an apple that signifies beauty and health. This time last year, we were in limbo because there was so much unknown about the Covid-19 virus.
This year, I can celebrate in style because not only have I been vaccinated, but I have learned to live in a perpetual state of acceptance, amazement, and appreciation of each moment as it happens. With that, there’s so much hope looking into the new year. Norooz Pirooz!
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