Shades of Blue

Showcasing many symbolic elements, this elaborate sofreh-ye haft sinn for the celebrations of Nowruz, in shades of blue, was designed for a private exhibition. Some of the symbolic elements, containers and ceramics, as well as the length of antique Persian brocade, delight in various shades of blue.

overall view of the sofreh

This is the overall view of the sofreh. It includes a mirror, the Qur’an, germinated wheat (sabzeh), hyacinths (sonbol), apples (sib), garlic (sir), sumac (somaq), vinegar (serkeh), gilded coins (sekkeh), crystal sugar and decorated eggs. The presence of seven (haft) items starting with the letter “s” (sinn) explains the term haft sinn. This splendid sofreh, which is softly illuminated with flames, is embellished with lengths of fine textiles.

germinated wheat (sabzeh) the essence of this spring festival

This is one corner of the elaborate sofreh-ye haft sinn, in shades of blue. The focus here is on germinated wheat (sabzeh), the essence of this spring festival and a symbol of rebirth, and branches of sumac (somaq), a symbol of plenty and peace. A large apple (sib), a symbol of fertility, is also on display, and the corner is softly illuminated with the flames of tea lights placed on a pair of dainty blue opaline vases.

This is another corner of the sofreh-ye haft sinn, in shades of blue. The focus of this image is the fresh bulbs of garlic (sir) and senjed (jujube fruit, sometimes translated as Russian olive), presented in antique blue opaline baskets. Senjed is a symbol of love and rebirth, and sir is believed to have medicinal and evil-averting powers. A pair of blue ceramic pomegranates (a symbol of fertility) is on display, in front of a hand-painted image of a goldfish (mahi) that serves as a substitute for live fish and is embellished with Persian script, which loosely translates as “Happy New Year”. As water creatures, fish are a symbol of Anahita and signify plenitude and blessing, among other virtues.

mirror a symbol of light and refection in a turquoise frame

This is another part of the sofreh-ye haft sinn, in shades of blue. This image focuses on the mirror, a symbol of light and refection, in a turquoise frame. The antique hand-written Qur’an is displayed on a matching frame and is illuminated with the flames of two tea lights. Bouquets made of soft blue hyacinths and white roses are presented in a pair of blue opaline vases. A miniature container of gilded coins, a symbol of wealth and prosperity, is placed in front of the mirror. Decorated eggs, in shades of blue and gold, are presented in and below an elaborate blue opaline compote vase. Ceramic pomegranates and a single large apple are also on display. Like eggs, pomegranates and apples are symbols of fertility.

apples (sib) which are considered a heavenly fruit

This is another section of the sofreh-ye haft sinn, in shades of blue. This image focuses on a variety of apples (sib), which are considered a heavenly fruit (miveh-ye beheshti), and represent health, growth and fertility. These divine, shiny and colourful apples, embellished with sprigs of Eucalyptus, are presented on and around a blue opaline platter. Shapely blue opaline flasks of vinegar embellished with grapes are placed next to an antique white opaline vessel containing crystal sugar, a symbol of sweetness and harmony. Vinegar (serkeh), which is cherished for its medicinal properties, is a symbol of patience.

deep-blue and purple and white hyacinths (sonbol) and Eucalyptus

In a corner of this elaborate sofreh-ye haft sinn, in shades of blue, sits an impressive arrangement of deep-blue/purple and white hyacinths (sonbol) and Eucalyptus. Hyacinths lend beauty to the sofreh, heralding the beginning of spring, and their fragrance perfumes the air. The embossed pattern of the muted-gold textile in the background sets off the beauty of the striking floral display.