Nowruz: The Iranian New Year Through the Art of Rugs

What is Nowruz?

Nowruz, meaning “New Day,” marks the Iranian New Year and the arrival of spring. Celebrated for over 3,000 years across Iran and many other cultures, Nowruz is a time of renewal, reflection, and hope. It falls on the spring equinox, symbolising the balance between light and dark, and the promise of a fresh start.

A central tradition of Nowruz is the Haft-Seen, a table set with seven symbolic items, each beginning with the Persian letter ‘S’ (س) and representing different aspects of life, nature, and renewal.

The Shoot:

For this editorial, I paired antique and vintage Persian rugs with each of the Haft-Seen elements, selecting pieces that reflect their deeper meanings. Just as the Haft-Seen captures the essence of rebirth and tradition, rugs hold stories woven over generations—making them the perfect complement to this celebration.

Below are the seven elements of Haft-Seen and the rugs I paired them with:

The Seven Haft-Seen & Their Rug Pairings:

Samanu (Sweet Wheat Pudding) – Strength & Abundance -

Paired with an antique Tabriz Emad Rug

Samanu, a labor-intensive dish made from wheat, represents patience, perseverance, and prosperity. It is carefully prepared over time, much like the weaving of this Tabriz Emad rug, which has an exceptionally fine weave (high knot count). The meticulous craftsmanship required to create such an intricate design mirrors the patience needed to make Samanu, both embodying the rewards of dedication and skill.

Sib (Apple) – Beauty, Health & Fertility

Paired with a Boteh Design Rug

Sib, the apple, symbolises beauty, health, and fertility in the Haft-Seen. It represents the vitality of life and the balance of physical and spiritual well-being. This Boteh design rug is a perfect match, as the boteh (paisley) motif has long been associated with fertility, growth, and the cycle of life.

Senjed (Dried Oleaster) – Love and Wisdom

Paired with an Antique Qum Rug

In Iranian culture, and classical poetry, Senjed is often used as a metaphor for deep affection and the passage of time—suggesting that love, like wisdom, grows richer as it matures. This Qum pictorial rug depicts lovers alongside verses from Omar Khayyam. Khayyam’s poetry explores themes of love, fate, and the beauty of the present moment, mirroring the sentiment behind Senjed.

Sabzeh (Sprouted Wheat or Lentils) – Rebirth, Renewal, and the Vitality of Nature

Paired with a Garden Bakhtiari Rug

This Bakhtiari rug, with its all-over nature design, perfectly captures the spirit of Sabzeh. With panels depicting trees, and flowers, Bakhtiari garden rugs are a tribute to Persian paradise gardens—lush, abundant, and full of life. Just as Sabzeh brings a sense of hope and new beginnings to the Haft-Seen, this rug reflects the same energy of growth, nature, and harmony.

Somaq (Sumac) – Sunrise and the Triumph of Good Over Evil

Paired with a Late 19th Century Afshar Rug

Somaq symbolises sunrise, energy, and the triumph of good over evil. Its deep crimson hue represents the rising sun and the renewal of light after darkness. I chose this late 19th-century Afshar rug for its stunning natural dyes—especially the rich red ground, which is vibrant and full of life. The deep, warm tones achieved through centuries-old dyeing techniques, radiate strength and intensity, much like the fiery glow of the morning sun.

Serkeh (Vinegar) – Wisdom, Patience, and the Passage of Time

Paired with a 19th Century Silk Heriz Rug

Just as vinegar matures and deepens in complexity over the years, true wisdom is gained through experience. This silk Heriz rug is the perfect pairing, chosen for both its age and exceptionally fine weave. Its delicate craftsmanship requires immense skill and patience—mirroring the slow transformation of vinegar. The passage of time has only enhanced the beauty of this piece, much like how patience and perseverance lead to wisdom. This rug stands as a testament to endurance, and the artistry of generations past.

Sir (Garlic) – Protection and Health

Paired with an Antique Bidjar Rug

Sir, or garlic, is believed to ward off illness and negativity. Its presence in the Haft-Seen represents strength and resilience—qualities perfectly reflected in this antique Bidjar rug. Known as the “Iron Rugs of Iran,” Bidjar rugs are famed for their dense, tightly packed weave and exceptionally strong wool, making them some of the most durable rugs in the world. Their robustness mirrors the protective nature of garlic, standing as a shield against wear, much like Sir is thought to safeguard against harm.

Each of these rugs, like the elements of the Haft-Seen, carries its own story—woven with history, meaning, and tradition. This project has been a celebration of Nowruz through the art of Iranian carpets, bringing together symbolism, craftsmanship, and heritage. Wishing you all a year filled with renewal, beauty, and joy. Happy Nowruz!

Love, Thames Carpets xx

Photography by Nilu Zargham