Spring began on Thursday March 21 at 4:06 a.m., and that also means it is Persian New Year! Norouz is celebrated in a big way especially by Iranians, Kurds, Afghans and Azerbaijanis and symbolizes the return of the sun and of light.

During Noruz, the Haft Sin can be found in the 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 – 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

There are other symbolic items on the table. These include coins 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.

While involved Iranian residents at Pahud got to work on a Haft Sin, some of the children got creative making fish for the bowl and painting the eggs.

On behalf of Welkom in Utrecht, we wish everyone and especially those celebrating Norouz a fantastic New Year, full of happiness and love.