Our Haft-Sin Table, Nowruz 1388 by Payam Rahmani

Nikon P5100

This is a panorama of our Haft-sin table captured some minutes before the beginning of the new solar year (1388).

You may like to watch the president's (Obama) message to the Iranian people about Nowruz: www.youtube.com/watch?v=HY_utC-hrjI 
_________________________________________________________________

Haft Sîn (Persian: هفت سین) or the seven 'S's is a major tradition of Nowruz, the traditional Iranian new year. Today the haft sin table includes seven specific items, all starting with the letter S or Sîn (س in the Persian alphabet). The items symbolically correspond to seven creations and holy immortals protecting them. Originally called Haft Chin (هفت چین), the Haft Sin has evolved over time, but has kept its symbolism. Traditionally, families attempt to set as beautiful a Haft Sîn table as they can, as it is not only of traditional and spiritual value, but also noticed by visitors during Nowruzi visitations and is a reflection of their good taste. The Haft Sin items are:

1. sabzeh(سبزه) - wheat, barley or lentil sprouts growing in a dish - symbolizing rebirth
2. samanu (سمنو)- a sweet pudding made from wheat germ - symbolizing affluence
3. senjed (سنجد)- the dried fruit of the oleaster tree - symbolizing love
4. sîr (سیر)- garlic - symbolizing medicine
5. sîb (سیب)- apples - symbolizing beauty and health
6. somaq (سماق)- sumac berries - symbolizing (the color of) sunrise
7. serkeh (سرکه)- vinegar - symbolizing age and patience
...

(( More: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haft_sin_table  ))