Minakari Haftseen (Nowruz) Set

Haftseen (or Haft-Seen) is a traditional table setting that is part of Nowruz, the Persian New Year celebration, which marks the first day of spring and the beginning of the year in the Iranian calendar. Haftseen is thought to symbolize life, love, health, wealth, and more, reflecting hopes for a prosperous and happy new year. The term “Haftseen” is derived from the Persian word “Haft,” meaning seven, and “Seen,” the Persian letter S. The table traditionally includes seven items starting with the letter S in Persian, each symbolizing a different hope or wish for the new year. These items are:

1. Sabzeh (سبزه): Wheat, barley, mung bean, or lentil sprouts growing in a dish, symbolizing rebirth and renewal.

2. Samanu (سمنو): A sweet pudding made from wheat germ, symbolizing affluence and fertility.

3. Senjed (سنجد): The dried fruit of the oleaster tree, symbolizing love.

4. Seer (سیر): Garlic, symbolizing medicine and health.

5. Seeb (سیب): Apples, symbolizing beauty and health.

6. Somaq (سماق): Sumac berries, symbolizing the color of sunrise and the victory of good over evil.

7. Serkeh (سرکه): Vinegar, symbolizing age and patience.

In addition to these seven items, many people also include other symbolic items on their Haftseen table, such as a mirror (symbolizing cleanliness and honesty), and candles (symbolizing happiness and enlightenment).

The Haftseen table is a central part of the Nowruz celebrations, around which families gather to celebrate the New Year.