Haft Seen traditional table of Nowruz

(Ref: https://surfiran.com/mag/all-about-haft-sin-the-7-s-of-iranian-new-year/)

Haft-Sin or Haft-seen, is, in fact, the tradition of putting 7 symbolic objects together whose names commence with S. Other symbolic items accompany these 7 objects and together, they create a Haft-sin. In the past, people used to put all of these items on a mantel or a designed fabric similar to a tablecloth, which they call it “Sofreh”. That’s the reason why Haft-Sin is generally referred to as “Sofreh Haft-Sin”.

The Items Of Haft Seen

NUMBER	ITEM	SYMBOLIC MEANING
1	Sabzeh	Wheat, barley, or lentil sprouts: symbolizing rebirth and growth.
2	Samanu	Sweet pudding made from wheat germ: symbolizing sweetness and fertility.
3	Senjed	Dried oleaster fruit: symbolizing love.
4	Seer	Garlic: symbolizing medicine and health.
5	Seeb	Apple: symbolizing beauty and health.
6	Somagh	Sumac: symbolizing the sunrise and new beginnings.
7	Serkeh	Vinegar: symbolizing age and patience.

Haft-Seen: The Heart of Nowruz – Exploring the Seven Symbolic Items of Persian New Year Tradition

In addition to the above items, some families may also include additional items on their Haft-seen, such as:

8. Sekkeh (coins): Symbolizing wealth and prosperity.
9. Sonbol (hyacinth flower): Symbolizing spring and the renewal of nature.
10. Shirini (sweets): Symbolizing happiness and joy.
11. Tokhm-e-Morgh (decorated eggs): Symbolizing fertility and new beginnings.
12. Goldfish: Symbolizing life and the flow of time.
13. A mirror: Symbolizing reflection and self-reflection.
14. Candle(s): Symbolizing light and happiness.
15. Holy book(s): Symbolizing spirituality and faith.

The items of Haft-seen can vary depending on the family and region, but they generally all represent good wishes and hopes for the new year.

Here are some “Haft seen” displays, in Christchurch (March 2024)

Feel free to join us and visit our “Haft Seen”s at below locations:

Tūranga Library – 4rd Floor:

Upper Riccarton Library:

Riverside Market: