On the Haftseen table, sabzeh (sprouted greens) symbolizes rebirth, freshness, life, and hope, and represents the connection between humans and nature. Samano (a food made from wheat germ) symbolizes strength, blessing, abundance, and fertility; in Iranian culture, it represents patience, effort, and divine bounty. Apple (sib) symbolizes beauty, health, love, and well-being. Senjed, (oleaster) symbolizes wisdom, love, and affection; some sources also describe it as a symbol of reason, contemplation, prudence, and decision-making. Garlic (sier) symbolizes purity, protection, and health, as its antiseptic and medicinal properties make it a symbol of warding off diseases and evils in the new year. Vinegar (serkeh) symbolizes patience, acceptance, and the passage of time, since it is the result of transformation and the passage of time; on the Haftseen table it represents endurance, maturity, and acceptance of life’s ups and downs. Rhus (Sumac, it is a mountain shrub that bears clustered fruits, and its fruit after being crushed, is used as a condiment in the food) which symbolizes the sunrise, patience, and the triumph of good over evil, and is also interpreted as endurance in hardship and hope for a good outcome.
In addition to these seven main elements, other items may also be placed on the Haftseen table depending on local customs, traditions, and beliefs in different regions, such as: the holy Quran: for spirituality and guidance; a mirror: for purity, brightness, and self-reflection; candles: symbolizing light, warmth, and life; decorated eggs: symbolizing birth and the continuity of generations; small decorative fish: symbolizing vitality and liveliness; and finally coins: symbolizing livelihood, prosperity, and wealth.
Arranging the Haftseen table is specifically an Iranian tradition and custom. Although many ECO member countries celebrate Nowruz, the Haftseen table is not set in all these countries; instead, these countries have their own indigenous rituals in place of Haftseen.
In Iran, the Haftseen table is arranged fully and in its classical form among all Iranians and is considered the core of Nowruz rituals and ceremonies.
In Afghanistan, Haftseen is arranged in a limited and different form, and the more common tradition there is “Haft Mewa” (Seven Fruits), which consists of soaked dried fruits such as raisins, pistachios, almonds, walnuts, and others. Nevertheless, in some urban areas, the Iranian-style Haftseen table is also set.
In the Republic of Azerbaijan, there is no Haftseen table; instead, they have the “Khoncha” table, which includes sprouted greens (sabzeh), candles, decorated eggs, and traditional sweets (without the requirement that their names begin with the letter “Seen”).
In Pakistan, setting a Haftseen table is not common, and Nowruz is mainly celebrated among Persian speakers, Shiites, and Parsis (Zoroastrians).
In Tajikistan, there is no Haftseen table. However, Nowruz is celebrated with local foods, poetry recitations, Samano cooking, and folk rituals. Some sources mention “Haftshin” or similar symbols, but this is neither widespread nor official.
In Uzbekistan, there is no Haftseen table, and Nowruz is celebrated with the preparation of Sumalak (similar to Samano), music, and collective ceremonies.
In Turkmenistan, the Haftseen table is not arranged, and Nowruz focuses more on national rituals, music, and Nowruz-related foods.
In Türkiye, Haftseen does not exist, and Nowruz is mainly celebrated among Kurds and Alevis, with a ritualistic and socio-cultural character.
In Kazakhstan, the Haftseen table is also not arranged, and Nowruz ceremonies are held with Kozhe, a dish made from seven ingredients (which do not necessarily begin with the letter “Seen”).
In Kyrgyzstan, there is no Haftseen table, but Nowruz is celebrated with ethnic festivities, traditional competitions, and local foods.
It should be noted that cooking Samano is an important shared cultural element, but not a universal one, among ECO member countries. In fact, Samano is not a symbol of Nowruz in all ECO countries, nor is it considered part of their national traditions; rather, this ritual belongs to the cultural sphere of Iran and Central Asia, although it is common in some ECO member states.
In Iran, cooking Samano has been a collective and traditional ritual from the past to the present, especially in the final days of the year, and it is considered one of the main components of the Haftseen table.
In Afghanistan, it is usually cooked collectively and ceremonially under the name Samanak. In Tajikistan, also known as Samanak, it is one of the main symbols of Nowruz. In Uzbekistan, it is cooked as Sumalak during nighttime celebrations. In Turkmenistan, known as Samanak, it is part of Nowruz rituals. In the Republic of Azerbaijan, Samani or Samani halva (Semani) is prepared during Nowruz and symbolizes growth and blessing.
In some other ECO member countries, such as Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, cooking Samano or Sumalak is observed only among Tajik or Uzbek minorities and is not recognized as a nationwide tradition. In Türkiye and Pakistan as well, cooking Samano is not a common Nowruz tradition.