Nowruz, which translates to “New Day’’ in Farsi, is a festival with roots in ancient Persia marking the first day of Spring and is based on the Solar Hijri calendar. For this special occasion and to celebrate the year 1403, our friends at FISK developed a collection of limited edition products releasing at Frances May Friday, March 15th 2024.

The project aims to promote middle eastern culture with our larger community by sharing the rituals around this beautiful holiday and tradition.⁣
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20% of all proceeds will be donated to@thepcrf(Palestine Children’s Relief Fund), a nonprofit humanitarian organization providing urgent medical relief to children in Gaza during these catastrophic times

On display 3/15 at Frances May, seven symbolic images of the Nowruz Haft-Seen deconstructed by photographer Sahra Jajarmikhayat

What is a haft-seen you might ask? It’s an altar composed of 7 items that begin with the letter ‘s’ or ‘seen’ in Farsi, and displayed in households each year for Nowruz, the Iranian New Year. It’s often accompanied by items like coins, hyacinth or spring flowers, sweets, decorated eggs, a mirror, candles and varies from family to family. Each of the 7 arranged items represent aspects of renewal and positivity.

Sabzeh/Wheat Sprout (سبزه): Sabzeh represents the rebirth of nature, its fertility, and symbolizes the start of Spring.⁣⁣⁣

Somagh/Sumac (سماق): Dried and granulated Sumac berries are a deep red color. Sumac symbolizes the color of dawn, before sunrise, and beginning of a new day.⁣⁣⁣

Samanoo/Wheat Paste (سمنو): Samanoo is made of wheat germ in a form of sweet paste. It symbolizes strength and preparedness for new year.⁣⁣⁣

Senjed/Silver Berry (سنجد): Senjed is a dehydrated fruit from a lotus tree and symbolizes love.

Seeb/Apple/ (سیب): The apple is a symbol of health and natural beauty.
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Seer/Garlic (سیر): Garlic cloves symbolizes medicine and contentment.

Serkeh/Vinegar (سرکه): Serkeh symbolizes old age, patience, the acceptance of goodwill and bearing of hardship.⁣⁣