Iranian New year begins on the first day of spring; March 21th.All the people prepare themselves for traditional ceremonies in advance by cleaning their houses, replacing some old stuff, buying new cloths, flowers, and so on. Besides some items are specifically provided for 7S table set.Haft-Seen or The Table of Seven S's is a ritualistic table that Iranians prepare and sit around it at "Saal-Tahveel". Haft means "seven" in Persian, and Seen is the 15th letter of the Persian alphabet (which consists of 32 letters) and phonologically it corresponds to the letter S in the English language. The following seven things whose names start with the letter "Seen" must be present on any Haft-Seen table. The following is a list of "Haft-Seen" items and a brief description of their symbolic meaning or cultural significance. 1) Sabzeh (sprouts, usually lentil or wheat): Representing fertility and rebirth of nature.
2) Seeb (apple): Represents natural beauty.
3) Samanu (a pudding in which common wheat sprouts are transformed and given new life as a sweet, creamy pudding): Represents the reward of patience.
4) Somaq (somaq berry used as spice): Represents the color of sunrise; with the appearance of the sun Good conquers Evil.
5) Senjed (the sweet, dry fruit of the Lotus tree): Represents love. It has been said that when lotus tree is in full bloom, its fragrance and its fruit make people fall in love and become oblivious to all else.
6) Seer (garlic): Represents health.
7) Serkeh (vinegar): Represents age.
Other items that you may see on Haft-Seen table:
A mirror which represents the images and reflections of Creation that by Persian beliefs took place on the first day of spring. On either side of the mirror are two candlesticks holding a flickering candle for each child in the family. The candles represent enlightenment and happiness.
Sonbol (Hyacinth): Spring flowers with the scent of heaven.
Sekkeh (coins): Represent prosperity and wealth.
A basket of painted eggs represents fertility.
A Seville orange floating in a bowl of water represents the earth floating in space.
A goldfish in a bowl represents life and the end of astral year-picas.
A flask of rose water known for its magical cleansing power, is also included on the tablecloth. And finally, incenses (mounted in sprouts) whose fumes ward off evil spirits.
During New Year holidays, people visit their relatives and friends, go sightseeing and take trips to attractive places