نوروز‎

Norouz marks the first day of spring and the beginning of the Iranian year.

We had a wonderful Koochooloo (little) Norouz celebration at our house last night. We celebrated with family and our dear friends Ehsan and Hui Chon. Not too shabby for 4 Jews and a Korean - oh yeah and 2 Persian guys. I knew the traditional food was Mahi va Sabzi Polo (Fish with greens and rice) but I didn't realize the fish was a whole fish -head, scales, tail... I left the shopping to Siamak for the fish and when I took them out of the fridge I couldn't get past the heads. With much bravery I baked them and the fried them whole on the outside with Saffron and I think they turned out pretty good. I explained to Siamak that it must be love because if he has grown accustomed to gefilte fish at Passover then I could cook this fish in the traditional way.

Siamak made the Sabzi Polo- I know the kids enjoyed that. I also made Ash Reshteh and Sabzi Kookoo. While still a novice I think it was a good 1st attempt. At least all of the guests were tarrofing enough not to let me think it was too bad. I will have to explain tarrof later.

This is our Haft-Sin. I have made an attempt for many years to make a Haft Sin for Norouz but this year was the best one so far - I must thank Malka for she provided many of the beautiful dishes. Thank you grandma! Much of the dinner discussion was on the joys of celebration and how deeply routed that is for our cultures.



It was a pleasure and an honor to carry forth this holiday and celebration for our children. Eid Et Mubarak - Happy New Year!

The Traditional Haft Sîn

(Again thanks to Wikipedia I offer some explainations)

Haft Sîn (هفت سین) or the seven 'S's is a major tradition of Norouz. The haft sin table includes seven items specific starting with the letter S or Sîn (س) in 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 Norouzi visitations and is a reflection of their good taste.
The Haft Sin items are:
sabzeh - wheat, barley or lentil sprouts growing in a dish - symbolizing rebirth
samanu - a sweet pudding made from wheat germ - symbolizing affluence
senjed - the dried fruit of the oleaster tree - symbolizing love
sîr - garlic - symbolizing medicine
sîb - apples - symbolizing beauty and health
somaq - sumac berries - symbolizing (the color of) sunrise
serkeh - vinegar - symbolizing age and patience
Other items on the table may include:
traditional Iranian pastries such as baghlava, toot, naan-nokhodchi
dried nuts, berries and raisins (Aajeel)
lit candles (enlightenment and happiness)
a mirror
decorated eggs, sometimes one for each member of the family (fertility)
a bowl with goldfish (life, and the sign of Pisces which the sun is leaving)
a bowl of water with an orange in it (the earth floating in space)
rose water for its magical cleansing powers
the national colours, for a patriotic touch
a holy book (e.g., the Qur'an, Avesta, Kitáb-i-Aqdas, Bible, or Torah) and/or a poetry book (almost always either the Shahnama or the Divan of Hafez)

I used the cookbook - it is like a bible for me!