Haft sin

Haft sin (also referred to as khwan-e Nowruzi) is a special arrangement symbolizing the Iranian New Year (Nowruz), which is beautifully designed and comprises seven things starting with the letter “sin” of the Persian language alphabet. Each item has its own specific and special meaning. Besides these seven items, there are other things that might be added to the table in order to make the set more beautiful and complete. But the seven items are inseparable and the main components of the Nowruz table.

The Haft sin decoration comprising seven items the names of which being with the letter “sin” has been one of the ancient Iranian customs. Even today, Iranians decorate their Nowruz table with seven the most common of which are “Sib” (apple), “Sonbol” (lavender), “Senjed” (Elaeagnus), “Sir” (garlic), Serkeh (vinegar), “Somaq” (sumac), “Sabzeh” (Green sprouts), and Sekkeh (Coin)

Besides these seven items, there are other things like a mirror, tulip, candle, Avesta (the Zoroastrian scripture), Quran (the Islamic scripture), a cup full of water - in which a few green leaves, boxwood, or bitter orange are placed - a jug with redfish, a few painted eggs, red pomegranate; and some pieces of bread, a plate of vegetables rice and fish; a silver coin - which among the Shiites is the coin carrying the name of the Imam of the time, and some sweets, etc. However, the seven items are inseparable and the main components of the Nowruz table.

Each item has its own specific and symbolic meaning and concept reflecting upon the perceptions of the Iranian people of the world and the universe.

In fact, Haft sin or Khwan Norouzi is a spiritual banquet table that Iranians arrange with the intention of gathering together and doing away with all the ill feelings among family members and creating peace, reconciliation, friendship, and solidarity with other people as well as with the soul of their ancestors.