Today at 10:01 a.m., spring began, and this means it is also therefore Noruz (or Persian New Year)! Noruz is celebrated in a big way especially by Iranians, Kurds, Afghans and Azerbaijanis and symbolizes the return of the sun and of light.

During Nowruz you can find the Haft Sin in people’s houses. Haft Sin literally means “the seven s’s.” Throughout the centuries, the custom at Noruz is to place on a beautifully laid table seven types of plants and seeds beginning with the Persian letter Sin. Separately, these items symbolize something.

1. Sebzeh – usually wheat, barley or lentil sprouts, growing in a bowl – represents rebirth

2. Semenu – a sweet pudding made from wheat germ – represents abundance

3. Sinjed – the dried sweet fruit of the oleaster tree – represents love

4. Sir – garlic – represents healing

5. Sib – apples – represents beauty and health

6. Sumac – sumac berries – represents (the color of) sunrise

7. Sirke – vinegar – represents age and patience

Almost always other symbols are placed on this table. For example, coins are laid out for prosperity and wealth, a basket of painted eggs for fertility, a goldfish in a bowl as a symbol of life, and a mirror that reflects and multiplies the light considered sacred.

On the initiative of some residents of the asylum neighborhood center Pahud, a beautiful Haft Sin was created there as well, just like last year. As you can see from the picture, thanks to children who provided the fish and colored eggs, it looks beautiful again!

And will we also celebrate Noroez dancing and loving together like last year? Yes, definitely! Because we very much want many people to be able to experience this wonderful celebration together (including children), we have decided to hold the Norouz Festival at Pahud on March 29. Put it in your calendar!

For now, we wish everyone and especially those celebrating Noroez a fantastic New Year, full of happiness and lots of love.