Iranians across the world are stepping into their new year — Nowruz — not with the usual exuberance, but with a lot of restraint. This year, the festival, which marks the Persian new year 1405 and falls on Friday, is being observed as much in remembrance as in renewal.
In homes, the traditional Haft-Seen table — usually a carefully arranged symbol of life, rebirth and prosperity — is taking on an added layer of meaning. Alongside the customary seven symbolic elements placed on the table, which represent renewal, beauty, health and prosperity, many are placing photographs of those killed in the recent mass protests and in the ongoing war, turning the ritual into an act of tribute.
