Nowruz Mubarak!

Well, it’s that time of year again…Iranian New Year. Unfortunately I have instigated some bad planning this year and will be working in Scotland on New Year’s Day itself, but we will be celebrating properly with friends next Sunday. Something to look forward to during my week away.

Being away from tomorrow morning means that I have set the traditional Haft-Sin tableau a day early and my hyacinths (sonbol) are not quite ready but no doubt will flower beautifully in my absence.

For those not familiar with Haft-Sin and it’s significance, Haft -Sin (seven “S’s”) symbolise important features celebrated at Iranian New Year and has its roots in Zoroastrianism. [Good thoughts, good words, good deeds]. I have included the following in my tableau this year;

Sonbol (hyacinths)- the coming of spring, Sir (garlic)- medicine, Sabzeh (green shoots)-new life and growth, Serkeh (vinegar)- old age and patience, Sib (apple)-beauty and health, Sekkeh (coins)- prosperity, Somaq (dried)- colour of sunrise and just for good measure, Sekanjabin, a sweet mint syrup. All these are displayed against the backdrop of a mirror symbolizing the sky, truth and reflection and illuminated by lit candles representing enlightenment and happiness. I have also included some decorated eggs (fertility and birth).