Our Haft-Sin Discovery Table

Children help set up a display of the seven items starting with the letter 's' in Persian that make up a Nowruz haft-sin table, and make labels explaining each one.

How to run it

1. Explain that many families who celebrate Nowruz set a haft-sin table with seven items whose Persian names begin with 's', each standing for a hope for the year.
2. Lay out items such as sabzeh (sprouts, for growth), sib (apple, for health), sir (garlic, for good health), serkeh (vinegar, for patience), somāq (sumac, for the sunrise), senjed (dried fruit, for love) and samanu (sweet wheat pudding, or a picture of it).
3. Add other things families often include, such as a mirror, decorated eggs, coins and a book of poetry.
4. Have small groups make illustrated label cards for each item and share them with the group.
5. Invite families who celebrate to share their own table or traditions, noting that customs differ between countries such as Iran, Afghanistan and Central Asian nations.

You will need

• sprouts
• apples
• garlic
• vinegar in a small bowl
• sumac
• dried fruit
• mirror
• decorated eggs
• tablecloth
• card for labels
• markers

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