‘Nauroz’ celebrated at embassy of Azerbaijan

Islamabad
To celebrate Nauroz, wife of the ambassador of Azerbaijan, Ulviyya Shikarova hosted a lunch at the embassy which was attended by spouses of senior envoys and Pakistani women from different walks of life. The hostess and other ladies of the embassy welcomed their guests and received good wishes of the occasion. When women get together for a celebration, it’s always a light and lively affair, so a festive air prevailed with the ladies animatedly discussing topics until lunch was served.
In the dining hall there was a display of beautiful Azerbaijani handicrafts and a corner had been set with the traditional items that are a must for Nauroz in every home - the ‘Haft Chin.’ The term ‘Haft Chin’ is derived from the word Chin meaning ‘to place’ and ‘Haft’ the number 7. The items are: mirror (symbolising sky) apple (earth) candles (fire) rose water (water) sabzi (vegetables and plants) goldfish (animals) and painted eggs (humans and fertility).
Nauroz celebrations across the world usually include a table full of delicious food and other items and here it was no exception. ‘Haft Seen’ or the seven ‘S’ which includes seven items starting with the letter ‘S’ or ‘seen’ in the Persian alphabet were placed on each table - sabze/plants (symbolizing rebirth) samanu (affluence) senjed (the dried fruit of the oleaster tree - love) sir/garlic (medicine) sib/apples (beauty and health) sumac berries (the colour of sunrise) and serkeh/vinegar (age and patience.)
A fifteen minute video was screened showing celebrations in Azerbaijan. Many customs like jumping over fire are not practiced so much anymore but are showcased in dance and music on elaborate stage shows which were shown in the video. Two men dressed as Kosa (beardless) and Kechal (bald) were representing the traditional Nauroz comic show which was also shown in the screening.
Lunch was relaxed and enjoyable with some specialties from Azerbaijan and other cuisine for choice and when it was time to say thank you and goodbye, each guest received a small gift to carry away as a memento.