This most cherished Persian celebration goes back at least 3000 years and is about “Celebrating Life renewal in health and harmony with nature”
Noruz – literally “New Day” – is the Persian New Year and symbolizes renewal and rebirth. Noruz starts at the exact instant of the Vernal Equinox, which occurs each year around the 21st of March, the first day of spring. This most important Iranian holiday is a time for family and friends to gather together and is marked with a myriad of activities affecting everything from preparations and celebrations to food, clothing, gift giving, charity, and many other social and family activities.
Haftsin (Haft Seen) is the spread, around which the Family gathers to celebrate Noruz. Iranians take pride in putting together an attractive and elaborate spread to represent both spiritual and worldly symbols promising a happy start of the New Year. The Persian word Haft means seven and Sin refers to the sound /S/ in the language. Usually a nice embroidered fabric is used as the foundation of the spread. On the spread seven specific items starting with the sound /S/ are displayed. The set is prepared a day or two before Noruz and given a place of honor in the house to remain 13 days following Noruz. Additional items are also placed on the Haftsin that will signify renewal, life, happiness, spiritual purity, prosperity, fertility, growth, good health and all things one desires for the New Year. This celebration is one of hope, promise and good fortune to enjoy and share with friends and family.
List of items for Haftsin
| # | Name | Definition | Symbolism |
| 1 | Sabzeh | Spring Sprouts | Growth, prosperity and togetherness |
| 2 | Senjed | Dry fruit of lotus, “mountain-ash” | Tart and sweet tastes in life |
| 3 | Seeb | Apple | The oldest beneficial fruit |
| 4 | Samanu | Wheat Pudding | A sweet prepared with the extract of young growth of wheat |
| 5 | Serkeh | Vinegar | An astringent agent, medicinal |
| 6 | Somagh | Crushed Sumac Berries | The oldest beneficial condiment derived from a plant |
| 7 | Seer | Garlic | The oldest bulb with medicinal Value |
| 8 | Sekkeh | Coins, (Silver and Gold) | Permanence and prosperity |
| 9 | Sombol | Hyacinth Flower | Life development: flower from the bulb to the roots |
| 10 | Mahi | Gold fish | Life energy |
| 11 | Ayne | A Mirror | Purity and clarity |
| 12 | Sham’ | Two Candelabras | Spiritual light and warmth |
| 13 | Tokhm-e Morgh | Decorated Eggs | Life in potential |
| 14 | Scriptures | Koran, Bible, Torah, etc. | Blessings and faith |
| 15 | Sepand, Esfand | Wild Rue | Incense against the evil eye that helps the lungs function |