Sofre-e Haft SinNorouz
As soon as the spring brings with itself the message of rebirth of the blooms, trees, flowers and nature, Iranian people celebrate Norouz holiday (New Year that occurs on the March 21st), their traditional festival which literally means "new day" .Every year in Esfand (the last month of Iranian solar year) when the nature prepares itself to put on its new clothes, the country is full of enjoyment and everyone prepares him/herself to welcome the new year. Before Norouz every family is engaged with Khane Tekani (cleaning of the house) and purchasing new clothes. When the hands of the clock is announcing the arrival of New Year the whole family array themselves in their best clothes and gather around Sofre-e Haft-Sin. The family starts the New Year with praying and asking the Lord a year full of bliss and health. Then they congratulate the coming of the New Year and offer gifts to each other. During the Norouz holiday people visit their relatives and friends (sele-e rahem) and wish everyday of their lives be as the Norouz and full of happiness.
Sofre-e Haft -Sin
During Norouz every family spread a special cover on the carpet or on the table as the beautifully as they can. This symbolic table of Norouz is called Sofre-e Haft-Sin and has a traditional and spiritual value. The Sofre-e Haft-sin consists of seven specific items which begin with the letter S or Sin in Persian. These symbolic items are:
sabzeh - wheat, barely or lentil sprouts growing in a dish - symbolizing rebirth
samanu - a sweet pudding made from wheat germ- symbolizing affluence
senjed - the dried fruit of Lotus tree - symbolizing love
sîr - garlic- symbolizing medicine
sîb - apples- symbolizing beauty and health
somaq – sumac berries - symbolizing (the color of) sunrise
serkeh - vinegar- symbolizing age and patience
Besides this items, painted eggs (fertility), coins (prosperity and wealth), a goldfish in a bowl (life), a mirror (the images and reflections of Creation as we celebrate anew the ancient Persian traditions and beliefs that creation took place on the first day of spring), and the Qur'an are placed on the table.
Other Customs in Iran
Sizdah Bedar
The thirteen day of the Norouz is called Sizdah Bedar. Most Iranian think that thirteen is an ominous number so in this day, they picnic in parks or on the country side in order to get rid of thirteen. Everyone tries to enjoy
him/herself and clean the mind of all bad thoughts. At the end of this day is to, every family throw away the ''Sabzeh'' into running water and believe that by performing this action all of bad events which are in the path of the family would be collected. Another custom in this day is telling the Sizdah lie which is something like the lie of April 1st. Unmarried girls also tie the blades of grass in the hope of finding a good husband in the new year.
Chahar Shanbeh Suri
The night before the last Wednesday of the year is called Chahar Shanbeh Suri and is celebrated by Iranians. On this day people make fires by wood and jump over them as they sing and exchange the evil and paleness for the warmth of the fire. By serving different kinds nuts known as Ajîleh Moshkel Goshâ (The problem-solving nuts) people give thanks for the previous year's health and happiness and make wishes com true.
As soon as the spring brings with itself the message of rebirth of the blooms, trees, flowers and nature, Iranian people celebrate Norouz holiday (New Year that occurs on the March 21st), their traditional festival which literally means "new day" .Every year in Esfand (the last month of Iranian solar year) when the nature prepares itself to put on its new clothes, the country is full of enjoyment and everyone prepares him/herself to welcome the new year. Before Norouz every family is engaged with Khane Tekani (cleaning of the house) and purchasing new clothes. When the hands of the clock is announcing the arrival of New Year the whole family array themselves in their best clothes and gather around Sofre-e Haft-Sin. The family starts the New Year with praying and asking the Lord a year full of bliss and health. Then they congratulate the coming of the New Year and offer gifts to each other. During the Norouz holiday people visit their relatives and friends (sele-e rahem) and wish everyday of their lives be as the Norouz and full of happiness.
Sofre-e Haft -Sin
During Norouz every family spread a special cover on the carpet or on the table as the beautifully as they can. This symbolic table of Norouz is called Sofre-e Haft-Sin and has a traditional and spiritual value. The Sofre-e Haft-sin consists of seven specific items which begin with the letter S or Sin in Persian. These symbolic items are:
sabzeh - wheat, barely or lentil sprouts growing in a dish - symbolizing rebirth
samanu - a sweet pudding made from wheat germ- symbolizing affluence
senjed - the dried fruit of Lotus tree - symbolizing love
sîr - garlic- symbolizing medicine
sîb - apples- symbolizing beauty and health
somaq – sumac berries - symbolizing (the color of) sunrise
serkeh - vinegar- symbolizing age and patience
Besides this items, painted eggs (fertility), coins (prosperity and wealth), a goldfish in a bowl (life), a mirror (the images and reflections of Creation as we celebrate anew the ancient Persian traditions and beliefs that creation took place on the first day of spring), and the Qur'an are placed on the table.
Other Customs in Iran
Sizdah Bedar
The thirteen day of the Norouz is called Sizdah Bedar. Most Iranian think that thirteen is an ominous number so in this day, they picnic in parks or on the country side in order to get rid of thirteen. Everyone tries to enjoy
him/herself and clean the mind of all bad thoughts. At the end of this day is to, every family throw away the ''Sabzeh'' into running water and believe that by performing this action all of bad events which are in the path of the family would be collected. Another custom in this day is telling the Sizdah lie which is something like the lie of April 1st. Unmarried girls also tie the blades of grass in the hope of finding a good husband in the new year.Chahar Shanbeh Suri
The night before the last Wednesday of the year is called Chahar Shanbeh Suri and is celebrated by Iranians. On this day people make fires by wood and jump over them as they sing and exchange the evil and paleness for the warmth of the fire. By serving different kinds nuts known as Ajîleh Moshkel Goshâ (The problem-solving nuts) people give thanks for the previous year's health and happiness and make wishes com true.
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