The Haft-Seen Table and Its History

The Haft-Seen table is specifically for Nowruz, but it has been a tradition since ancient Iran for people to prepare similar tables for other celebrations and joys, such as for weddings or the winter solstice.
The Haft-Seen is one of the most famous Nowruz rituals, involving the collection of seven items whose names all begin with the letter ‘S’. Usually, among the following: apple, black seeds (seeds of pomegranate), wild olive (senjed), sumac, garlic, vinegar, wheatgrass (or other grains that are planted and grown beforehand), seven items are chosen for the Haft-Seen table.

The items on the Haft-Seen table each symbolize different aspects of life’s beauty:

• Senjed: Represents love and passion, and is one of the main elements of birth and fertility. Some believe that the scent of senjed tree flowers and leaves stimulates love.

• Sabzeh: Symbolizes freshness, greenery, and represents human life and its connection to nature.

• Samanu: Symbolizes growth and fertility of plants and is made from the young shoots of wheat.

• Coin: Represents wealth, prosperity, and income.

• Apple: Symbolizes affection and love.

• Sumac and garlic: Represent the zest and spice of joy in life.

  

• Apart from these symbolic plants and fruits, the Nowruz table includes other components as well:

• Eggs: Represent birth and creation, symbolizing the embryo and lineage.

• Mirror: Symbolizes light and should always be placed at the top of the table.

• Water and fish: Represent blessings in life. Fish is placed on the table as a symbol of the month of Esfand.

The Holy Book is also a central part of the Haft-Seen table. Depending on the family’s faith, they place the holy book they follow on the table.

• Muslims place the Quran, Zoroastrians place the Avesta, and Jews place the Torah.
  For Zoroastrians, beside spice and senjed, thyme is also placed on the table, which, according to Mobed Firouzgar, has disinfectant and medicinal properties and is placed with the intent of wishing health and as a gesture of goodwill.
  Other items such as cypress branches, pomegranate seeds, musk flower, bitter orange syrup, bread and cheese, candles, etc., can also be considered as part of the Haft-Seen table.