Happy Naw Ruz (new day)!  Please join us at the Kenmore Senior Center in Rhododendron Park on Tuesday, March 22, 2022 anytime between noon-3pm. Pasha Mohajerjasbi, Kenmore Program Supervisor, shares this ancient celebration, welcoming the return of Spring, that is observed in her family.  It includes special sweets, tea on the Samovar and some neighborly camaraderie. All are welcome!

Naw Ruz is a cheerful occasion, and all its imagery is based on the finish of winter (cold, gloomy) and restoration of life (sunshine – the Spring Equinox, everything growing).  This holiday is celebrated by more than 300 million people worldwide. It begins at the moment of the spring equinox when the sun is directly over the equator and the northern and southern hemispheres get equivalent measures of light. (usually about March 21/22)

The major highlight of Naw Ruz celebrations is the Haft Seen, a decorated table with seven things that start with the Persian letter “s”. Every item symbolizes Abundance, Wealth, Health, Life, and Prosperity. 

• Sabzeh (sprouts): symbolizes rebirth
• Samanoo (sweet pudding): symbolizes abundance
• Serkeh (vinegar): symbolizes age, wisdom and patience
• Senjed (dried fruit from lotus tree): symbolizes love
• Sir (garlic): symbolizes medicine/good health
• Somagh (sumac): bitter herbs symbolizing life’s hardships
• Sib (apple): symbolizes health and beauty

Besides these 7 very important items for Naw Ruz table, there are additional symbolic items that are sometimes used to accompany Haft-sin such as candles, hyacinth (for frangrance), painted eggs, a goldfish, coins, and a mirror.