It usually starts by spreading a special family cloth on the table, and then it is followed by placing the seven S items.

These can include:

Sirkeh (vinegar): Represents age and patience that often comes with ageing

Sikkeh (coin):  For wealth and prosperity

Seer (garlic): For good health

Seeb (apples): For health and natural beauty

Sabzeh (wheat): For rebirth, renewal and good fortune

Samanu (wheat pudding): A sweet dessert for wealth, fertility and the sweetness of life

Sumac (berries): For the sunrise and the celebration of a new day

Besides these elements, the table might also include a mirror to symbolically reflect the past year, painted eggs to represent fertility, a goldfish to represent new life, and candles to show light and happiness.

A variety of food dishes are prepared during the festivity, but “ash-e resteh” or noodle soup is usually served and is believed to symbolise the “many possibilities in one’s life”, according to research conducted by Harvard University.

Special sweets, including baklava and sugar-coated almonds, are also believed to bring good fortune and are shared during the celebration. Other dishes include fish served with special rice with green herbs and spices, symbolizing nature in spring.