The onset of spring is cause for a celebration. People around the world are welcoming the new season with great enthusiasm and festivities. As individuals in different parts are rejoicing in various celebrations, Iranians and Parsis across are gearing up to observe, Nowruz, an ancient festival that marks the beginning of spring and celebrates the rebirth of nature. Nowruz, literally translated as ‘new day’ is also known as Persian New Year or Jamshedi Navroz, and it is celebrated worldwide by diverse communities. Nowruz 2019 will be observed on March 21. The haft-sin table decoration during Nowruz is immensely popular which involves the arrangement of seven items. There is a great history and cultural significance explaining why people celebrate Navroz 2019 with such enthusiasm and beautify the ceremonial table.

Nowruz 2019 begins at the stroke of the vernal equinox, when the sun crosses the equator. When the equinox comes, families of Iranian descent gather around the ceremonial table, Haft-sin also spelt as haft-seen. They join their hands together, pray for a prosperous beginning and count down to the new year together. Below, is everything that you should know about the ceremonial table arranged during Jamshedi Navroz.

What is Haft-Sin?

Haft-Sin is an arrangement of seven symbolic items with names starts with the letter seen (S) in the Persian alphabet. It is traditionally decorated and displayed at Nowruz 2019, marking the beginning of spring. Each of the items symbolises a different hope for the new year. While some families add their own variations to the haft-seen, there are seven things which are a must to be included.

1. Sabzeh: Sprout or grass that will continue to grow in the weeks leading up to the holiday for rebirth and renewal.

2. Senjed: Dried fruit, which is ideally a sweet fruit from a lotus tree, for love.

3. Sib: Apple for good skin and health.

4. Seer: Garlic, which is used in medicines to take care of oneself.

5. Samanu: A sweet pudding for wealth and fertility.

6. Serkeh: Vinegar for all the patience and wisdom that comes with ageing.

7. Sumac: A Persian spice which is made from crushed sour red berries for the sunrise of a new day.

These seven items are a must to be included in the ceremonial table. However, with the evolution of the tradition, families also include other materials to the haft-sin during Nowruz 2019. A holy book usually Qur’an and Avesta, Iranian poetry books, a mirror, candles, goldfish, painted eggs, wheat or bread are several other items, which are beautifully placed in the decorated table.

Watch the video below:

During the Nowruz 2019 holidays, people are expected to make short visits to the homes of family, friends and neighbours. Young people will visit their elders first, who will return their visit later. Some individuals also throw huge Nowruz parties in as a way of dealing with the long distance between groups of friends and family. The onset of spring is a great excuse for families to gather and spend some quality times together. We wish you all a Happy Nowruz!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 20, 2019 12:53 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).