Happy Norooz! (Or Nowruz, or Noruz, or Nowrooz)
What better way to introduce the world to Shireen & Savory than through the Persian New Year? March 20th this year marked the coming of spring – the vernal equinox. Iranians all over the world celebrate the new year (or “Norooz”, which actually translates to “new day”) on the first day of spring and throughout the ensuing weeks. When you think about it, isn’t that the best day to start the year? Instead of celebrating a new year smack dab in the middle of winter, Persians figured that it’s best to let the cold come to rest and start a new year with a new season. With spring comes new beginnings, flowers blossoming, and the sun shining for longer. I’ve always loved celebrating this occasion with my family. It’s a celestial holiday, not religious, and it places humanity, hope for the future, and the contemplation of time over all else.
The portrait of Persian New Year will always be the Sofreh Haft Seen, or “Seven S” spread. I’ve made my interpretation of the Sofreh Haft Seen this year and included all the fixin’s – mung beans, dried oleaster, you name it! Each item on the spread represents a different hope for the new year.