Inside Look: Clémence Polès Captures the Beautiful Rituals of Nowruz through Stunning Haft-Sin Table Photography

Haft-Sin Tables: The Beautiful Tradition of Nowruz

Nowruz, the Persian New Year, is a time of celebration and new beginnings. One of the most beloved traditions of Nowruz is the creation of the Haft-Sin table, a symbolic display of items that represent different aspects of life and nature. Photographer Clémence Polès beautifully captures the process of how 8 women assemble their Haft-Sin tables, showcasing the intricate and meaningful details of these tablescapes.

The Haft-Sin table is typically set up in the days leading up to Nowruz, and consists of seven items that all begin with the letter "S" in Farsi. These items include:

• Sabzeh: Sprouted wheat or lentils symbolizing rebirth and growth
• Samanu: Sweet pudding made from wheat germ symbolizing power and strength
• Senjed: Dried fruit from the lotus tree symbolizing love and affection
• Sir: Garlic symbolizing medicine and good health
• Sib: Apples symbolizing beauty and health
• Somaq: Sumac berries symbolizing the sunrise and the triumph of good over evil
• Serkeh: Vinegar symbolizing age and patience

In addition to these seven items, the Haft-Sin table may also include other symbolic items such as a mirror (symbolizing reflection and self-reflection), candles (symbolizing light and energy), colored eggs (symbolizing fertility), and a Quran or poetry book (symbolizing wisdom and spirituality).

Clémence Polès' photographs capture the beauty and diversity of these Haft-Sin tables, each one unique and personal to the women who have put them together. The intricate details of the tablescapes, from the arrangement of the items to the colors and textures used, all contribute to the rich symbolism and meaning behind each display.

Through Polès' lens, we are able to witness the care and thoughtfulness that goes