As the Persian New Year, or Nowruz, approaches each spring, the anticipation of renewal and celebration fills the air. This year, the Persian Club at Aliso Niguel High School took a significant step to share this vibrant tradition with the school community.
Led by the club’s dedicated officers, president Ava Menhaji (11), vice president Atrisa Taghizadeh (11), treasurer and publicity manager Rose Tabatabaei (12), and secretary Soushia Moghadam (12), a beautifully arranged Haft-Seen table was set up in the school library, allowing students and staff to engage themselves in the rich cultural significance of Nowruz.
Nowruz, which translates to “new day,” marks the first day of spring and the beginning of the year in the Persian calendar. It’s a time for family gatherings, festive meals and a host of symbolic traditions aimed at welcoming the arrival of spring and new beginnings.
At Aliso Niguel High School, the Haft-Seen table, a central element of Nowruz festivities, serves as a visual representation of these traditions. Each item on the table has a specific meaning and represents one of the seven essential elements of life, including health, wealth and wisdom.
The table is adorned with beautifully decorated items: sabzeh (sprouted wheat, barley or lentils) symbolizing rebirth, samanu (sweet pudding) representing affluence, abundance and the sweetness of life and seer (garlic) signifying health. Other essential components included sumac (representing the sunrise and the triumph of good over evil), serkeh (vinegar) associated with patience and wisdom, seeb (apple) portraying beauty and health and senjed (dried fruit), which stands for love. To complete the ensemble, a mirror signifying reflection and introspection is placed at the center, reflecting the beauty and hope that comes with the new year.
The Persian Club’s creation of the Haft-Seen table was not an isolated effort. With the support of assistant principal Mrs. Hosseini and the school’s Persian counselor Mrs. Aghvami, the officers organized the initiative to educate and engage the wider community in understanding and appreciating Persian culture.
Ava Menhaji expressed her enthusiasm, noting, “It’s important to share our traditions so that everyone can appreciate the diversity within our school. Nowruz is a time of renewal, and we hope this table brings joy to everyone who sees it.”
The display not only brightened the library but also served as an educational opportunity. Throughout the week leading up to Nowruz, club members engaged their peers in conversations about the meaning behind each item, promoting cultural awareness and fostering connections. The officers shared personal stories about how they celebrate Nowruz with their families, reinforcing the significance of heritage and belonging.
Assistant principal Mrs. Hosseini remarks, “Nowruz is a time for renewal and reflection, reminding us that every new beginning brings hope and the opportunity for growth.”
As the weeks progress, students visit the Haft-Seen table, intrigued by the cultural insights and the colorful decorations. For many, it was their first introduction to such a rich tradition, sparking curiosity and conversations about various cultural celebrations throughout the world.
In celebrating Nowruz through the Haft-Seen table, the Persian Club at Aliso Niguel High School has not only shared a piece of their culture but also embraced a broader narrative of inclusivity and understanding.
By bringing the community together, they are helping to promote more diversity that enriches the school environment. As the Persian New Year unfolds, it is clear that the spirit of Nowruz, renewal, hope and connection continues to thrive at Aliso Niguel High School.
