Haftsin () is an arrangement of seven symbolic items whose names start with the letter "س" (pronounced as "seen"), the 15th letter in the Persian alphabet; "haft" (هفت) is Persian for "seven". It is traditionally displayed at Nowruz, the Iranian New Year, which is celebrated on the day of the vernal equinox, marking the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. Items of Haft-seen The following are the primary items of Haft-seen, whose Persian names begin with the letter S in the Persian alphabet. () – wheat, barley, mung bean, or lentil sprouts grown in a dish. () – wheat germ sweet pudding. () – Oleaster () – vinegar. () – apple. () – garlic. () – Somāq. Coins (سکه sekke), hyacinth (سنبل sombol), and clock (ساعت suat also pronounced so-at) are sometimes included too. Other symbolic items that are typically used to accompany Haft-sin include a mirror, candles, painted eggs, goldfish, and traditional Persian confections. A "book of wisdom" is also commonly included, which might be the Quran, Avesta, the Shahnameh, or the Divān of Hafez. Symbolic Roots of Haft-seen The Haft-Seen table represents nature. By tradition, Iranian families take great pains to create the most beautiful Haft-Seen table that they can, for not only does it embody values both traditional and spiritual, it is also appreciated by the visitors during Nowruz visiting exchanges as a reflection of the families' aesthetic sense and good taste. Items that start with Persian letter "س": Sabzeh (): Sprouting /Grass: the symbol of rebirth and growth. Samanu (): the symbol of power and strength. Senjed (): the symbol of love. Somāq (): Sumac: the symbol of sunrise. Serkeh (): Vinegar: the symbol of patience. Seeb (): Apple: the symbol of beauty. Seer (): Garlic: the symbol of health and medicine. Other items that start with Persian letter "س" that are sometimes included: Sonbol (): Hyacinth: the symbol of spring's arrival. Sekkeh (): Coin: the symbol of wealth and prosperity. Saat (): Clock: the symbol of time. Items that don't start with "س" but, nonetheless, are invariably included: Tokhm-e Morg Rangi (): Eggs: the symbol of fertility. Ayina (): Mirror: the symbol of self-reflection. Shem'a (): Candle: the symbol of enlightenment. Maahi-ye Qırmız (): Goldfish: the symbol of progress. Ketaab (): Book: the symbol of wisdom. Afghan Haft Mewa In Afghanistan, people prepare Haft Mēwa () (literally translates as Seven Fruits) in addition to