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Haft-sin
Haft-sin
Haft-sin
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Haft Seen or Haft sin (Persian: هفت‌سین, lit. 'Seven S's') is an arrangement of seven symbolic items whose names start with the letter "س" (pronounced as "seen"), the 15th letter in the Persian alphabet; "haft" (هفت) is Persian for "seven".[1][2] It is traditionally displayed at Nowruz, the Iranian New Year, which is celebrated on the day of the vernal equinox, marking the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere.

Items of Haft-seen

[edit]
A Haft-Sin Table, Tehran, Iran

The following are the primary items of Haft-seen, whose Persian names begin with the letter S in the Persian alphabet.[1][2]

  1. Sabzeh (سبزه) – wheat, barley, mung bean, or lentil sprouts grown in a dish.
  2. Samanu (سمنو) – wheat germ sweet pudding.
  3. Senjed (سنجد) – oleaster.
  4. Serkeh (سرکه) – vinegar.
  5. Seeb (سیب) – apple.
  6. Seer (سیر) – garlic.
  7. Somagh (سماق) – sumac.
Senjed
Sonbol
Somāq

Coins (سکه sekke), hyacinth (سنبل sonbol), and clock (ساعت saa'at) are sometimes included too. Other symbolic items that are typically used to accompany Haft-sin include a mirror, candles, painted eggs, goldfish, and traditional Persian confections.

A "book of wisdom" is also commonly included, which might be, Avesta, the Shahnameh, the Quran or the Divān of Hafez.[1]

One of the most well-known traditions celebrated at the start of the new solar year is "haft sin". Items that begin with the letter (S), such as apples, garlic, coins, and so on, are organized on the Sofre Haft-Sin.

Seven was regarded as a sacred number in the Sasanian faith, and at this time, individuals planted seven seeds on seven distinct pillars.

Iranians offer Haft-Sin for either the twelve sacred tower numbers or the number seven Amshaspand. For the first day of spring, they placed items like greenery and water signifying growth and light, milk signifying rebirth, resurrection, and rebirth, a fire pit signifying the sustainability of heat and light, a mirror signifying purity and transparency, a freshly struck coin symbolizing possession and blessing, an egg signifying race and sperm, an oleaster signifying endearment and fertility and birth, an apple signifying the mystery of love, a pomegranate signifying sanctity, an orange representing the Earth sphere, a specific Esfand flower signifying Amshaspand Sepandarms on their tables and a fish signifying the end of the Esfand month.

In addition to the Holy Book, other items in the Sofreh Haft Sin were bread baked from seven grains, cheese, sugar, dates, rose water, olives, branches from the holy pomegranate tree, willow, and figs in bunches of seven, twelve, or three.

According to legend, the Haft Shin table was used by Persians before being given a new name. The Haft Shin table's components were candles (Sham), wine (Sharab), nectar (Shahd), syrup (Sharbat), sweets (Shirini), boxwood (Shamshad), and anemones (Shaqayegh) or plant branches (Shakh-e-Nabat).

When Haft Shin first gained popularity among Iranians during the Sassanid era, Shamshad was set out on the table alongside the other Shins on Nowruz as a representation of longevity and greenness.

Persians used to prepare the "Seven Candles" table during the Sassanid era and before the advent of Islam, which contained wine, candles, sharbat, boxwood, nectar, and anemones. The Persian alphabet "Shin" changed into "Sin" when Islam was introduced to Iran and their "wine" was declared to be unlawful. At this point, its twin, vinegar, was put on the table.

[edit]
  • Wheatgrass, one of the items of Haft-sin.
    Wheatgrass, one of the items of Haft-sin.
  • A bowl of samanu, one of the items of Haft-sin.
    A bowl of samanu, one of the items of Haft-sin.
  • Goldfish, one of the items of Haft-sin.
    Goldfish, one of the items of Haft-sin.
  • A Haft-sin table at the White House.
    A Haft-sin table at the White House.
  • A Haft-sin table at a hotel in Bijar, Kurdistan.
    A Haft-sin table at a hotel in Bijar, Kurdistan.
  • A Haft-sin table at Sharif University of Technology.
    A Haft-sin table at Sharif University of Technology.
  • A Haft-sin table.
    A Haft-sin table.
  • A Haft-sin table.
    A Haft-sin table.
  • A Haft-sin table.
    A Haft-sin table.
  • A Haft-sin table.
    A Haft-sin table.
  • A Haft-sin table.
    A Haft-sin table.
  • Haft Mewa
    Haft Mewa
  • A Haft-sin table.
    A Haft-sin table.
  • A Haft-sin table.
    A Haft-sin table.
  • A Haft-sin table.
    A Haft-sin table.
  • Haft Mewa
    Haft Mewa

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Haft-sin

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Haft-sin (Persian: هفت‌سین), meaning "seven 'S's," is a traditional ceremonial table arrangement central to , the Persian celebrated on the vernal , typically March 20 or 21. It consists of seven specific items, each beginning with the Persian letter "sin" (س), symbolizing renewal, prosperity, and the cycle of life, and is primarily observed in and among Persian communities worldwide. The seven core items on the haft-sin table are carefully selected for their symbolic meanings, often placed on a cloth-covered surface alongside decorative elements like mirrors, candles, and goldfish. These include sabzeh (sprouted wheat, barley, or lentils), representing rebirth and growth; samanu (a sweet pudding made from wheat germ), signifying affluence and fertility; senjed (dried oleaster fruits), symbolizing love and affection; seer or sir (garlic), denoting health and medicine; seeb or sib (apples), evoking beauty and health; somagh (sumac berries), standing for the victory of good over evil or the sunrise; and serkeh (vinegar), embodying age, patience, and wisdom. Variations may substitute items like coins (sekkeh) for prosperity or hyacinths (sonbol) for spring's arrival, reflecting regional or familial customs. Haft-sin is a key element of the ancient celebration, which has Zoroastrian roots and dates back over 3,000 years to the in Persia, emphasizing themes of spring renewal and cosmic balance, though the specific arrangement of seven 'S' items emerged as a formalized practice in the modern era, gaining prominence in the through cultural media and family traditions. While itself has pre-Islamic origins tied to agricultural cycles and celebrations, Today, families gather to set the table on the eve of , making wishes for the coming year, and it underscores the holiday's blend of secular joy and spiritual reflection across diverse communities.

Origins and History

Ancient Roots

The roots of Nowruz celebrations, to which the Haft-sin tradition is connected, trace back to ancient Persian practices with Zoroastrian influences, emphasizing renewal and . While the specific Haft-sin is of more recent origin, pre-Islamic rituals during the Sassanid era (224–651 CE) included elements that may have inspired it, such as the sacred significance of the number seven in . In , the number seven held profound sacred significance, representing the seven Amesha Spentas (holy immortals or bounteous immortals), who embody divine attributes such as good thought, truth, and immortality, emanating from . These entities are central to texts, where they symbolize the seven stages of creation—sky, water, earth, plants, animals, humans, and fire—aligning with as a festival of renewal and the triumph of good over evil. Evidence from the Sassanid period illustrates elaborate preparations that incorporated sets of seven, including the planting of seven types of seeds—such as , , lentils, and beans—on top of twelve mud-brick pillars in the royal , each pillar dedicated to a month of the year. These pillars, known as haft-ābdār ("seven seeds"), were erected about 25 days before , allowing the seeds to sprout into green symbols of and growth by the , which were then displayed during equinox observances. Items were often arranged in groups of seven, twelve, or three to evoke cosmic completeness, with rituals emphasizing communal feasting and renewal. According to popular tradition, a precursor arrangement known as Haft-Shin, featuring items beginning with the letter "shin" (ش), existed in pre-Islamic times, but historical evidence for this is limited and considered speculative by scholars.

Evolution Over Time

According to popular tradition, following the Arab conquest of Persia in the CE, an arrangement featuring items beginning with the letter "shin" (ش), such as wine (sharab), may have been adapted to Haft-Sin with items starting with "sin" (س) to align with Islamic norms, such as substituting (serkeh) for wine; however, the exact origins of Haft-Sin remain obscure, with scholarly sources suggesting it is a more modern practice that gained prominence in the . During the Safavid era (1501–1736 CE), the Haft-Sin table featured in royal Nowruz observances, with various symbolic items including fruits, sweets, and eggs, reflecting the dynasty's emphasis on Persian cultural revival under . The tradition deepened its integration into Persian literary culture through the inclusion of divans—collections of poetry—on the Haft-Sin table, particularly that of the poet (d. 1390 CE), used for (fal) to seek guidance for the new year. In the 20th century, Haft-Sin persisted and revived amid political changes; under the Pahlavi dynasty (1925–1979), it symbolized a return to pre-Islamic Persian identity, promoted through state-sponsored celebrations that expanded Nowruz rituals. After the 1979 Islamic Revolution, despite initial tensions with the new regime's focus on Islamic observances, the tradition endured as a marker of cultural resilience and subtle resistance, with families continuing private Haft-Sin setups even as public expressions adapted to official oversight. This continuity culminated in UNESCO's 2010 inscription of Nowruz, including Haft-Sin, on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognizing its role in fostering community bonds across regions.

Cultural Significance

Connection to Nowruz

, the Persian New Year, commences on the vernal equinox, typically falling between March 20 and 21 in the , signifying the arrival of spring and themes of renewal and . This ancient festival aligns precisely with the Iranian , also known as the Solar Hijri or , which is based on astronomical calculations to mark the exact moment when day and night are equal, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness. At the heart of celebrations is the Haft-sin, a ceremonial known as sofreh-ye Haft-sin, which serves as the central focal point for families to gather, reflect, and usher in the with prayers and well-wishes for prosperity and harmony. The Haft-sin table is meticulously prepared in the days leading up to the , to ensure it is ready at the precise astronomical instant of 's onset, allowing families to convene around it for rituals of gratitude and renewal. This setup integrates seamlessly with broader observances, including , the fire-jumping festival held on the eve of the last before the , where participants leap over bonfires to ward off misfortune and purify themselves for the year ahead. Following the , the table remains a enduring symbol throughout the 13-day holiday period, facilitating daily family gatherings for shared meals, , and contemplative prayers that emphasize unity and hope. The festivities culminate on the 13th day with , an outdoor excursion to nature where families picnic and release symbolic items from the Haft-sin table, such as sprouted greens, into running water to carry away misfortunes and complete the cycle of renewal. This extended timeline underscores Nowruz's deep connection to seasonal and cosmic rhythms in the Iranian , reinforcing communal bonds through rituals that blend ancient astronomical precision with cultural practices of reflection and joy.

Symbolism of the Number Seven

In , the number seven is revered as a sacred of divine order and creation, most prominently through the seven Amesha Spentas, the immortal benefactors or archangels who represent core principles such as good thought, truth, and immortality, assisting in maintaining cosmic harmony. This numerological motif extends to the faith's , where the material world emerges in seven sequential stages: the , , , , the primordial , humanity, and fire, each stage underscoring progressive manifestation from the spiritual to the physical realm. Additionally, ancient Zoroastrian texts acknowledge seven planets—Mercury, , Mars, , Saturn, the Sun, and the —as celestial forces governed by divine chieftains, influencing earthly events and reinforcing the interconnectedness of the macrocosm and microcosm. These Zoroastrian foundations draw from broader Indo-Iranian traditions, where seven symbolizes and equilibrium, as seen in rituals involving the planting of seven seeds to invoke agricultural growth and prosperity, reflecting the cyclical renewal of . Similarly, the seven colors of the rainbow are interpreted as emblems of harmony and divine covenant in ancient Iranian lore, bridging earthly observation with spiritual wholeness and evoking the spectrum of life's transitions. Following the Islamic conquest, the symbolism of seven integrated with Quranic numerology, particularly the concept of layered in ascending order, which parallels pre-Islamic Persian views of stratified cosmic realms and enhances the number's aura of transcendence and unity. In Persian mysticism, such as Sufi interpretations, seven denotes completeness and balance, often linked to of the soul's journey toward enlightenment, as outlined in classical texts like Attar's . This layered significance manifests culturally in Haft-sin, where the selection of seven items encapsulates renewal, fertility, and the human life's phases—from birth to spiritual fulfillment—positioning the table as a symbolic microcosm of universal order. The tradition's adherence to seven elements thus perpetuates these motifs, invoking holistic prosperity without delving into individual item meanings.

The Haft-Sin Table

The Seven Essential Items

The Haft-sin table features seven essential items, each beginning with the Persian letter "س" (), selected for their cultural significance in celebrations. These items are traditionally arranged on a cloth-covered table and represent core elements of renewal and prosperity in Persian tradition.
  • Sabzeh: Sprouts grown from , , mung beans, or lentils in a shallow dish, representing fresh growth.
  • Samanu: A sweet, thick prepared by slowly cooking wheat germ with until it thickens, with sweetness derived from the natural sugars in the .
  • Senjed: Dried fruits from the tree (), also known as Russian olives, placed whole or in small piles.
  • Serkeh: , typically poured into a small bowl, derived from fermented fruits or grains.
  • Seeb: Apples, usually varieties, arranged in a dish for their vibrant color and crisp texture.
  • Seer: bulbs, peeled or whole, valued for their pungent aroma and medicinal properties in traditional use.
  • Somagh: berries, ground into a coarse powder or left as dried berries, sourced from the plant.

Additional and Optional Elements

In addition to the core seven items, the Haft-sin table often incorporates supplementary elements that personalize the display and amplify themes of renewal, , and spiritual reflection. These optional additions vary by family tradition but commonly include items symbolizing abundance, light, and life's vitality, enhancing the table's role as a focal point for gatherings. Gold or silver coins, known as sekkeh, are frequently placed on the table to invoke wealth and prosperity in the coming year. flowers, or sonbol, herald the arrival of spring and represent rebirth and the rejuvenation of . A clock, referred to as saa'at, is sometimes set precisely to the moment of , symbolizing the passage of time and the mindful embrace of new beginnings. A mirror and candles further enrich the arrangement, with the mirror signifying and clarity of the soul, while the candles embody , enlightenment, and the sacred fire central to ancient Persian rituals. A bowl containing symbolizes abundant life, vitality, and the zodiac sign of Pisces, which aligns with the vernal in the traditional Iranian calendar. Painted eggs, often vibrantly colored by family members, denote , , and the promise of new life, drawing parallels to similar customs in other spring festivals. A book of wisdom—such as the , , , or the Divan of —is typically included for spiritual guidance and intellectual inspiration at the year's start. Persian confections and fresh fruits, including nuts, pomegranates, and sweets like nokhodchi, are arranged to evoke abundance, sweetness, and the earth's bounty, rounding out the table's celebratory aesthetic.

Traditions and Practices

Preparation and Arrangement

Preparations for the Haft-sin table typically begin several weeks in advance of the Nowruz equinox, allowing time for key elements like sprouts to develop properly. Families start by sowing seeds for sabzeh, often using wheat, barley, or lentils, which are grown indoors on shallow dishes and watered daily until they reach a height of several inches over 10 to 14 days. This process ensures the sprouts are vibrant and ready by the eve of the vernal equinox, when the table is fully assembled. The arrangement centers on spreading a clean, decorative cloth known as a sofreh, traditionally made of termeh fabric or a simple white sheet, over a low table, floor, or raised platform to create a communal display. The seven essential S-items—such as sabzeh, sib (apples), and serkeh (vinegar)—are then positioned in a circular or linear pattern, with a mirror often placed at the center to reflect light and symbolize clarity. Family members collaborate closely in this setup, with women typically taking the lead in organizing and decorating the elements, while children may assist with simpler tasks like placing candles or coins. The sofreh faces east, toward the rising sun, to align with the themes of renewal. During the setup, families incorporate rituals to infuse the space with positive energy, including reciting prayers or verses from sacred texts like the or , and playing traditional music on instruments such as the or to foster a festive atmosphere. These practices emphasize and anticipation as the approaches. Once complete, the Haft-sin table remains undisturbed for the 13 days of , serving as the focal point for family gatherings. Customs include capturing group photographs around the sofreh, and exchanging greetings at the moment of the . On the thirteenth day, known as , families dismantle the display by releasing the sabzeh into flowing water.

Modern Variations and Global Celebrations

In contemporary , Haft-sin traditions exhibit notable differences between urban and rural settings, with urban families often incorporating modern elements alongside eco-friendly alternatives like home-grown sprouts using sustainable seeds to reduce environmental impact. Rural practices, by contrast, tend to emphasize locally sourced, organic items like wild senjed fruits, preserving agrarian ties while adapting to seasonal availability. The from 2020 to 2022 prompted widespread virtual adaptations, where families shared Haft-sin setups via video calls and social media platforms, enabling remote participation in the equinox moment despite restrictions. Among communities, Haft-sin practices have evolved to incorporate local influences, particularly in the United States and , where families blend traditional items with accessible substitutes like regional apples or garlic varieties. In , Afghan and Tajik variations favor Haft-mewa—a mixture of seven dried fruits and nuts such as pistachios and almonds—over the full Haft-sin array, reflecting cultural adaptations while maintaining the symbolic emphasis on renewal. The inscription of on the Representative List of the of Humanity in 2009, followed by the ' proclamation of March 21 as International Day in 2010, has elevated Haft-sin's global profile, inspiring international events like annual Nowruz festivals at UN headquarters featuring elaborate Haft-sin displays. In , home to the largest Nowruz celebration outside , the Farhang Foundation hosts free public events with interactive Haft-sin exhibits, drawing thousands and promoting cultural exchange across diverse communities. Amid globalization, preservation efforts focus on sustainable and inclusive evolutions, such as vegan preparations of —a wheat-based inherently plant-derived but now marketed explicitly as vegan to accommodate dietary preferences—sourced from organic grains to minimize ecological footprints. Celebrations from 2023 to 2025 have increasingly highlighted environmental themes, with urban initiatives promoting recycled materials for table settings and community drives for ethical sourcing of items like , ensuring Haft-sin's continuity while addressing modern challenges like .

References

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  3. https://guides.libraries.emory.edu/Nowruz
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  5. https://guides.libraries.indiana.edu/c.php?g=1016304&p=7366460
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  7. https://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/haft-sin/
  8. https://kuscholarworks.ku.edu/bitstreams/bd47db4a-dc64-40a3-b6cf-da0c1996ba1f/download
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  10. https://www.persiscollection.com/introduction-of-sofre-haftsin/
  11. https://transformiran.com/learn/iranian-new-year-and-the-haft-seen/
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  25. https://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/planets/
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  29. https://ece.engin.umich.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2019/09/Nowruz_Pamphlet.pdf
  30. https://folklife.si.edu/magazine/nowruz-traditions
  31. https://fezana.org/wp-content/uploads/NoRooz-Celebrations-Farishta-Dinshaw-November-2018.pdf
  32. https://file.lacounty.gov/SDSInter/dmh/1107537_2021CTCMagazine_Spring2021.pdf
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  34. https://archive.asia.si.edu/events/nowruz/haft-sin.asp
  35. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/18/opinion/sunday/an-iranian-holiday-thats-perfect-for-americans.html
  36. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/20/nowruz-2025-traditions-haft-sin-and-celebrations-of-the-persian-new-year
  37. https://courier.unesco.org/en/articles/nowruz-seeds-new-day
  38. https://repository.essex.ac.uk/36159/1/Hesam%20Dehghan%20Nayeri%20MPhil%20Thesis.pdf
  39. https://asiasociety.org/sites/default/files/inline-files/Haftseen-activity.pdf
  40. http://www.eavartravel.com/blog/2023/7/19/130659/haft-sin/
  41. https://persianbasket.com/gorgeous-decorative-sustainable-haft-sin-item-sumac-flower.html
  42. https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2020/03/20/621242/Persian-New-Year
  43. https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/21/us/nowruz-iranian-americans-protests-cec
  44. https://www.quora.com/Why-don-t-Afghans-make-the-traditional-Haft-sin-or-Chaharshanbe-Suri-during-Nowruz
  45. https://en.irna.ir/news/84693720/Iran-s-Haft-Sin-at-UN-to-celebrate-Nowruz
  46. https://www.farhang.org/2025/the-world-s-largest-free-nowruz-celebration-march-9-at-ucla
  47. https://www.nuttysaffron.com/product/samanu-vegan-/31
  48. https://bestofvegan.com/culture-tuesday-6-vegan-nowruz-recipes/
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