journal
Celebration of a New Year
Nowrooz means new day, it is the celebration of a new year, rebirth and renewal. While there are many traditions on various days before and after Nowrooz, there is one in particular I miss this year.
Days before Nowrooz would arrive, my mom would be busy preparing the 'haft mewa' which translates to seven fruits. The number seven is considered lucky, the haft mewa calls for at least seven ingredients. It almost always includes the senjid, the dried fruit of the oleaster tree, a symbol of love, and whole dried sour apricots with seeds, an Afghan specialty. In addition, the haft mewa includes dried apricots, raisins, almonds, pistachios, hazelnuts and walnuts.
The ritual of rinsing and soaking the fruits and nuts is significant because water reflects light, symbolizing brightness and life.
Best,
Tahmina
