{"id":38761,"date":"2025-03-17T18:52:44","date_gmt":"2025-03-17T18:52:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/?p=38761"},"modified":"2026-04-06T11:30:32","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T11:30:32","slug":"all-about-haft-sin-the-7-s-of-iranian-new-year","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/all-about-haft-sin-the-7-s-of-iranian-new-year\/","title":{"rendered":"Haft-Sin: The 7 \u2018S\u2019 of Iranian New Year"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Discover the enchanting tradition of Haft-Sin<\/strong>, the centerpiece of Persian New Year, or Nowruz<\/a><\/strong>. This ancient ceremonial table showcases the 7 ‘S’s\u2014seven items starting with the letter ‘S’ in Persian, each symbolizing hope, renewal, and prosperity for the coming year. Dive into a cultural journey that connects families, embraces nature’s rebirth, and celebrates the enduring spirit of Iranian heritage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Based on Encyclop\u00e6dia Iranica, “Haft-Sin<\/a>” (Persian: \u0647\u0641\u062a\u200c\u0633\u06cc\u0646), a traditional Nowruz arrangement, derives from Persian haft<\/em> (“seven”) and sin<\/em> (the letter “\u0633,” referring to items starting with “s”). In Modern Persian, it\u2019s pronounced \/h\u00e6ft\u02c8si\u02d0n\/: “HAFT-seen”\u2014first syllable “HAFT” (like “haft” with a short “a”), second “seen” (like “seen” in English), with stress on “HAFT.” Historically, it evolved from pre-Islamic rituals, symbolizing renewal, and became a staple of Persian New Year celebrations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Haft-Sin: The Essence of Nowruz<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Persian New Year<\/strong>, known as Nowruz<\/a><\/strong> to Iranians, doesn’t officially begin until a Haft Sin<\/strong> (7 Sin) is arranged to celebrate the arrival of spring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Persian culture, among the world’s richest, has significantly influenced various other cultures. Often regarded as a cradle of civilization, Iran’s impact across diverse regions and traditions remains evident today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the most beautiful customs which has been celebrated for over 3000 years now is Nowruz. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nowruz<\/strong> literally means \u201cNew Day\u201d and is the start of the Iranian new year, celebrated on the very first day of spring, around 21 March.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For honoring such a great day, Iranian people follow many different customs and traditions. Each one of them has a special meaning and refers to one important and essential aspect of Persian culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we are going to explore Haft-Sin, one of the most beautiful traditions of Nowruz<\/a> and the hidden meaning behind it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Items Of Haft Seen<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Number<\/th>Item<\/th>Icon<\/th>Symbolic Meaning<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
1<\/td>S<\/strong>abzeh<\/td>\"-\"<\/td>Wheat, barley, or lentil sprouts: symbolizing rebirth and growth.<\/td><\/tr>
2<\/td>S<\/strong>amanu<\/td>\"-\"<\/td>Sweet pudding made from wheat germ: symbolizing sweetness and fertility.<\/td><\/tr>
3<\/td>S<\/strong>enjed<\/td>\"-\"<\/td>Dried oleaster fruit: symbolizing love.<\/td><\/tr>
4<\/td>S<\/strong>eer<\/td>\"-\"<\/td>Garlic: symbolizing medicine and health.<\/td><\/tr>
5<\/td>S<\/strong>eeb<\/td>\"-\"<\/td>Apple: symbolizing beauty and health.<\/td><\/tr>
6<\/td>S<\/strong>omagh<\/td>\"-\"<\/td>Sumac: symbolizing the sunrise and new beginnings.<\/td><\/tr>
7<\/td>S<\/strong>erkeh<\/td>\"-\"<\/td>Vinegar: symbolizing age and patience.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>
Haft-Seen: The Heart of Nowruz – Exploring the Seven Symbolic Items of Persian New Year Tradition<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In addition<\/strong> to the above items, some families may also include additional items on their Haft-seen, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Sekkeh (coins): Symbolizing wealth and prosperity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Sonbol (hyacinth flower): Symbolizing spring and the renewal of nature.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Shirini (sweets): Symbolizing happiness and joy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Tokhm-e-Morgh (decorated eggs): Symbolizing fertility and new beginnings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Goldfish: Symbolizing life and the flow of time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. A mirror: Symbolizing reflection and self-reflection.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Candle(s): Symbolizing light and happiness.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  8. Holy book(s): Symbolizing spirituality and faith.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What is Haft-Sin?<\/h2>\n\n\n
    \n
    \"Haft\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button>
    A Traditional Sofreh Haft-Sin. Photo@tirgan.ca<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    Haft-Sin or Haft-seen,<\/strong> 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 \u201cSofreh\u201d. That\u2019s the reason why Haft-Sin is generally referred to as \u201cSofreh Haft-Sin\u201d<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Today, most people prefer to set up a table instead of putting it on the floor and using a mantel. But, other parts of this tradition have remained fairly intact and people still follow what their parents and grandparents have done for years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Before the beginning of the new year, Iranian people start to prepare the necessary items and once their Haft-Sin is set, it will remain in their houses until the last day of the new year\u2019s holidays, which lasts 13 days.<\/p>\n\n\n

    \n
    \"Haft\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button>
    A simple Haft-Sin<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    The items vary slightly in different parts of the country, but there are certain elements that define a Haft-Sin. These elements are Sabzeh (wheatgrass grown in a dish), Samanu (sweet pudding made from wheat germ), Senjed (sweet dry fruit of the lotus tree), Serkeh (Persian vinegar), Seeb (apple), Seer (garlic) and Somaq (sumac).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    As well as these elements, Iranians tend to put other items such as a mirror, candle, colored eggs, a bowl of water with an orange floating in it, goldfish, coins, hyacinth, and traditional sweets and pastries like nokhodchi<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n

    \n
    \"Haft
    Nokhodchi sweet and orange in the bowl of water. It represents the rotation of the earth. Photo@freersackler.si.edu<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    Another important item is a “book of wisdom”, which can be the Quran, the Avesta, the Shahnameh of Ferdowsi or the divan of Hafiz. When the new year begins, older members of the family open the book and consult the book for a resolution or insight for starting the new year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"Celebrating\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button>
    Celebrating Nowruz at the Historic Site of Pasargadae: A vibrant Haft-Seen display beside the Tomb of Cyrus the Great<\/a>, where Iranians gather annually to honor their rich heritage.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Besides, this is the moment when elderlies give money to youngsters and children, which is called \u201cEidi\u201d. They normally put new banknotes between the pages of the book and as soon as the new year begins, they open it and give the money as a gift to the family members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The origin of Haft-Sin<\/h2>\n\n\n
    \n
    \"Haft\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button>
    Growing wheat, barley, mung bean, or lentil sprouts is an important part of the haft-sin tradition.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    Here is the revised version of your paragraph with improved flow and clarity while maintaining accuracy:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    During the Kayanid dynasty<\/strong> era\u2014a legendary dynasty in Persian\/Iranian tradition and folklore\u2014some accounts suggest that Haft-Sin was originally known as Haft-Sheen<\/strong> (seven SH letters<\/strong>), with items such as Sharab<\/em> <\/strong>(wine) included. However, the historical basis for this transformation remains a topic of debate among scholars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Notably, Sharab<\/em> is an Arabic loanword, while pre-Islamic Persians primarily used terms like Mey<\/em> <\/strong>(\u0645\u06cc) or Bad\u00e9<\/em> (\u0628\u0627\u062f\u0647) to refer to wine. Although wine played a significant role in ancient Persian culture, particularly in Zoroastrian rituals and classical Persian poetry<\/a>, there is little documented evidence of a standardized “Haft-Sheen” table before the Islamic era.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The widely recognized Haft-Seen arrangement, which became prominent in Persian culture, is closely tied to themes of nature and renewal associated with Nowruz. Despite ongoing discussions, the number seven remains deeply significant in Zoroastrian tradition<\/strong>, representing the “Seven Eternal Laws” that embody the teachings of Zarathushtra.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What is the meaning behind the seven \u2018S\u2019?<\/h2>\n\n\n
    \n
    \"Haft\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button>
    Sabzeh Haft-Sin<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    Each item in Haft-Sin symbolizes a concept in Persian culture. Sabzeh is a symbol of rebirth and renewal of nature. Samanu represents fertility and the sweetness of life. Senjed is for love and affection. Serkeh (vinegar) symbolizes patience and age. Seeb(apple) is a symbol of health and beauty. Seer (garlic) is for good health and Somaq (crushed spice of berries) symbolizes the sunrise and the spice of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"Medical\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button>
    Medical personnel in protective gear pose for a selfie around a haft-seen table, symbolizing the iranian new year, in a covid-19 ward at firoozabadi hospital, tehran, on nowruz, march 20, 2021. Photo by morteza nikoubazl.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    The mirror symbolizes the sky and self-reflection. The goldfish and bowl of water represent movement and life. Goldfish is also the sign of the last month in Persian calendar (Esfand) and it turning around the bowl is a sign of turning and changing of the year. the candles bring light to Haft-sin and to life. For fertility, eggs are painted and for wealth and prosperity, people put some coins in their Haft- Sin.<\/p>\n\n\n

    \n
    \"Haft\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button>
    The painted eggs and hyacinth flower are always present in Haft-S<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    When you think about all these items together, you can easily understand why it is an important part of the beginning of the Iranian new year. Each one of these elements symbolizes a lovely concept and bring us the newness of fresh life, just like the Earth which starts a new life by the arrival of spring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Haftsin Ideas: Haft Seen Table Decorations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Explore creative Haftsin ideas for your Nowruz celebrations. Discover tips for setting up a beautiful Haft Seen table with symbolic decorations to welcome the Persian New Year in style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
    \n
    \n
    \"Haftsin\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
    \"Haftsin\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
    \"Haftsin\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
    \n
    \"Haftsin\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
    \"Haftsin\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
    \"Haftsin\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
    \n
    \"Haftsin\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
    \"Haftsin\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
    \"Haftsin\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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    \"Haftsin\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
    \"Haftsin\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
    \"Haftsin\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
    \"Haftsin\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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