Happy Nowruz 1396

Nowruz is an ancient Iranian spring festival and celebration of the first day of the Iranian calendar. Nowruz is rooted in traditions of Zoroastrianism and is celebrated since ancient times by many Iranian and non-Iranian peoples such as Persians, Kurds, Pashtuns, Azeris, Georgians, Armenians etc.

In Iran Nowruz is celebrated by decorating a table with several items which in a way represent either spring or values of the Iranian culture. Seven of these items begin with the letter of ''Sin'': [s] of the Persian Alphabet, therefore the table is named ''Haft Sin'' (eng: seven Sin)

Haft Sin includes:

1. Sabze (eng: wheat): symbol of rebirth
2. Samanu (eng: Wheat pudding): symbol of affluence
3. Senjed (eng: dried Russian olive): symbol of love
4. Seer (eng: garlic) symbol of health
5. Seeb (eng: apple) symbol of beauty
6. Somaq (eng: sumac) symbol of sunrise
7. Serkeh (eng: vinegar) symbol of patience

It could also include some other items, such as:

Qoran: holy book of Muslims
A vase full of water: request for rain and water
Bread: symbol of nourishment
Mirror: symbolizes creation as well as clearity and purity of heart and soul
Coins: symbol of wealth
Goldfish: symbol of life
One candle for every person in the family: symbol of enlightment of life