Celebrating Nowruz: A Personal Take on Haft-Sin
Growing up, Nowruz was always the highlight of the year. It wasn’t just a change of the calendar; it felt like a fresh start, a brand-new chapter. The excitement in the air was palpable—like everything around us was getting ready to bloom and thrive, just like the spring we were welcoming. And the heart of the celebration? The iconic Haft-Sin table.
For me, setting up the Haft-Sin table wasn’t just about placing items; it was about gathering symbols of new beginnings and good vibes. The table would start off bare, and then, one by one, we’d add the six traditional items: sabzeh (sprouted wheat), samanu (a sweet paste made from wheat germ), senjed (dried oleaster fruit), seer (garlic), sekeh (coins), and of course, the apple—symbolizing health and beauty. And let’s not forget the mirror and candles that lit up the whole table, adding a sparkle that was almost magical.
Each item had its own meaning. Sabzeh, with its lush greenery, represented growth and renewal. Samanu, rich and sweet, symbolized strength. Senjed stood for love, seer for health, sekeh for wealth and prosperity, and the apple… well, that was for beauty and health. And of course, you’d also have some traditional sweets and dried fruits, which felt like the icing on the cake (literally and figuratively!).
The best part was gathering with family and friends around the table, laughing and chatting while we waited for the clock to strike midnight. There’s something about that moment that always feels special—like the whole world is holding its breath, waiting for the start of something wonderful. And then, the joy of giving and receiving gifts, especially money, felt like a blessing from the universe itself.
Nowruz was more than just a holiday for me. It was a reminder that no matter how hard life may seem, there’s always a chance for renewal, for starting over, for a fresh start. Just like the table, life is full of little symbols and moments that bring hope, joy, and connection. And no matter where you are in the world, that feeling of renewal can be contagious.|column1|column2|column3|
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