Come to Kenmore Senior Center and join in ancient Persian celebration of the Spring equinox
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.