New Year in Iran: Norouz

On the first day of Norouz, Iranian families gather around the Haft Sin, or “Seven S’s” table. Families take pride in the beautiful arrangement of seven items that start with the sound of S in Persian. They symbolize the hopes for a successful and happy new year

Can you name some of the things on the table in this photo? Scroll down to find out what they are and what each item means

In Iran, the old year goes out with a bang. Children run through the streets. They clang on pots and pans. Knocking on the neighbor’s doors, they ask for sweets. This tradition is called qashogh-zany or “spoon beating.” Some children wrap themselves in shrouds. These are long cloths used in burials. By dressing in them, children imitate the visits of their ancestors’ spirits. It is said that the spirits come in the last days of the year

As the spring equinox approaches, fires bid good-bye to the old year in a tradition known as Chaher Shanbeh Suri. Families gather around small fires in the streets and alleys. They jump over the flames singing traditional songs and celebrating the triumph of light over darkness

The Haft Sin Table

Iranians welcome spring with sparkling clean houses and a new set of clothes. On their Haft Sin table, families include the traditional seven items below. Many families also include a copy of the Koran, the holy book of Islam. A bowl of orange goldfish brings good luck

  

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