For those of us who follow the sun, this is a most auspicious day. When the sun enters Aries before noon, the spring solstice greets us as it did the ancients, with renewal of Earth and spirit. The spring solstice has been celebrated by people from diverse ethnic communities and religious backgrounds for thousands of years, but it’s the Persians who both created the tradition — and kept it sacred, with ritual, remembrance, and gratitude. Pre-dating Judeo-Christian spring celebrations of Passover and Easter, Nowrūz has similar themes of renewal.
As the ancient Persians observed the sowing of seeds, they understood that it is the gifts bestowed by our bountiful earth that provides us with sustenance and fortune. It is this wisdom, that marking the first day of spring as the beginning of a new year, we are fresh with hope, a renewal of our spirits, and reflect on the opportunity that the land provides us.
Uplifting and magical as the day itself, the observances are symbolic of all that is wonderful about life, love, plenty, and the connection of mankind to nature.
Feted in all cultures, in all lands, and by many faiths, still we knew so little about this mysterious custom.
Designer Niki Mihanyar shared with us her family’s celebration and traditions, she struck an emotional chord and it tugged on what I can only describe as a primordial string. It played a song I knew, but had never heard. I almost had memory…
In her Persian home you’ll find a traditional table setting called a Haft-Seen (literally: the seven “s”es) brimming with treasures from the land, each bearing a significant reminder of the blessings the earth has bestowed, all beginning with the letter “seen”.
Sabzeh (wheat, barley, or lentil sprouts): symbolizing rebirth
Senjed (dried fruit from a Lotus tree): symbolizes love
Sir (garlic): symbolizes medicine
Sib (apple): symbolizes health and beauty
Somaq (sumac): symbolizes the color of sunrise
Samanu (sweet pudding): symbolizes affluence
Serkeh (vinegar): symbolizing longevity and patience.
Other items that begin with the letter “s” that are commonly seen on the Sofreh are:
Mahi (a fishbowl with two gold fish): signifying companionship and life
Sekkeh (a saucer of coins from the five continents): symbolizes wealth and prosperity
Sonbol (hyacinths and tulips): a spring spring flower
Tokhmeh Morgh (painted eggs): symbolizes fertility
Sham (candle) set beside a mirror: symbolizes enlightenment and the reflection of life
Shirini (sweets): symbolizes spreading the sweetness
Three illustrious books of poetry and prayer
and sometimes a round analog clock signifying time
Yes, the list is long, but as Niki related: “The relevance of each item is significant and even just the gathering of these items gives us time to pause and consider… We have 12 days to enjoy and reflect, and on what some consider to be an unlucky day, the 13th, we release the spouts into the water to wash away the most misfortunate things in our life.”
We’re fortunate to follow the sun, as we cast the darkness into retreat.
This is how we begin the New Year.
May it bring all the sweetness and abundances the earth can provide, and all the love and fortune you wish for.
