A Nowruz table

I learned something this week; it was the Iranian New Year. A much more appropriate time of year than ours, with the days lengthening and the sky brightening. Nowruz, or No-rooz, occurs at the Equinox, and is full of symbolism. It is a Zoroastrian festival.

If I hadn't noticed the table in Jack's apartment (Chris' singing teacher) and if I hadn't asked why it was so beautifully decorated, I'd never have found out. Jack lives at the home of an Iranian lady who for this occasion had cleaned the place from floor to ceiling, as is traditional. Another custom, apparently, is to buy new clothes to wear on New Year's Day. It's all about a fresh start.

The "Haft Seen" table was laid with a red, embroidered cloth, on which a remarkable collection of objects was assembled, among which were:

• 3 tall white candles, lit
• a bowl of apples
• a bowl of oranges swimming in water
• a dragon fruit in a glass jar
• a pot of green grass, sprouting seeds
• silver dishes containing home made sweets
• a garlic head and a couple of coins on another dish
• a bowl of coloured eggs
• white hyacinths
• white tulips in a tall vase
• a carafe of water (or perhaps vinegar)
• a blue lamp
• a small cup of red spices
• a mirror on a stand, resting on pile of Persian poetry books

The importance of these items is explained on this page.