Happy New Year! Huh, Happy New Year? Um, wasn’t that a couple of months ago? Well, yes it was. And, it is also tomorrow!
Many of y’all know I married a Persian. People often look at me in confusion when I say Tony is Persian. They will say “oh, is he from Persia?” And, I chuckle. Technically, yes. But today we refer to it as Iran. Iran is part of a larger region that was known as the Persian Empire. And, until the mid-twentieth century, it was called Persia.
So, what is this New Year? In the Iranian calendar, the first day of Spring is the beginning of their New Year or “Nowrooz.” There are actually several different cultures that celebrate Nowrooz. For the Iranians, it is marked with several different celebrations or from my interpretation, a few weeks of parties. I mean Persians do things big y’all. You know the Indian wedding you just saw in People of Nick Jones and Priyanka Chopra? Well, Persians do things very similarly. They love a great party!
I remember my first real “Persian” celebration was at our cousin’s engagement party. Tony and I had been dating for a few months and we flew to the Bay area for the event. And, y’all, I am not exaggerating – this engagement party was like a full-on wedding with beautiful style, food in abundance and lots of music and dancing. It was fabulous!
But, back to today. You will see pictures of the “Haftsin” in New Year’s greetings across the internet. I found an excerpt here that explains the Haftsin for us Americans 🙂 This is a display of seven foods beginning with the letter “s” and they represent:
- Sib or Apples for health
- Sabze or Grass for nature
- Senjed or Sea Buck-thorn for Wisdom and Regneracy
- Serkeh or Vinegar for Disinfection
- Samanu or Sweet Paste for Power and Bravery
- Sumac or Sumac for Patience and Tolerance
- Seer or Garlic for Stimulation or Contentnment
There are also usually Coins (Wealth), a Mirror (Lighting), Goldfish (Victory, Exhilaration, Blessing), Holy Book (Wisdom), Eggs (Fertility) and more. Persians have this display out before and after the New Year.
Now, unfortunately, this Mama has only done the Haftsin once or twice for our family. However, we always discuss it, and we often get to enjoy others’ when we got for New Year’s visits.
So, what does that mean for the Afshary family today? Well, two things – one, today is Bubba Joon’s 99th birthday! He will begin his 100th year around the sun, and we will be thinking of him all day; sending him a virtual hug, high five and kiss!
Secondly, I will be making Khoresh Gheymeh and Pollo Tah Dig, Tony & Eva’s favorite! I am going to attempt to tape a segment of Love Glitter Girl – Cooks so y’all can make for your families if you so desire!
Well, I better get cooking so to speak – LOL!
Sale No Mobarak! Happy New Year!
Xo,
Hilary