Sabzeh

Sabzeh is a very important part of the Haft-Sin table, a traditional display set on the Norooz (Iranian New Year) holiday. It is a type of sprouted lentil or wheat, symbolizing rebirth and the renewal of life. The process of growing sabzeh begins a few weeks before Norooz. Grains such as wheat, barley, or lentils are soaked in water and then spread on a damp cloth or in a shallow dish. They are kept moist and in a warm place, encouraging them to sprout. As the sprouts grow, they turn into a vibrant green color, resembling fresh grass. The typical height for sabzeh is around 15 to 20 centimeters, and it is usually grown in a dish or bowl. Some people also weave the growing sprouts into intricate shapes or patterns. The sabzeh remains on the Haft-Sin table throughout the Norooz celebrations. At the end of the Norooz period, often on Sizdah Bedar (the 13th day of the new year), the sabzeh is traditionally thrown into a natural body of water, such as a river or the sea, to symbolize returning nature's bounty. This act is believed to cast away any bad luck from the past year and welcome good fortune.