When asked to do this project, I knew of one significant household item that was far more valuable to the human heart. After reflecting on an object that had all the checkmarks of significance that represent my family, religion, culture, I chose to write about our family’s Marble and Silver platter. Our family’s Marble and Silver Nowruz Plate is used every year for our home country’s culture, Nowruz. For millions of people around Iran, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Central Asia, the Caucasus, and beyond, we celebrate Nowruz. 

 Nowruz is a day that symbolizes the first day of spring with food, family, and some jump over fire. Being part of the Muslim religion, rice is a big essential in the food staple being very often used in meals. Where I am from, Azerbaijan, Plov is also used for our culture. It is often cooked with long-grain rice, fried meat, dried fruits, chestnuts, saffron, and various spices and seasonings, and specific regional additions. On that Marble and Silver Nowruz Plate is where our family has eaten Plov and celebrities for generations. 

This plate is made with marble on the bottom and a silver handle. It was made in 1803, given to my grandmother and her grandmother. During WW2, my grandmother’s, mother and her father brought it from war and since then through good times and hardships, it has stayed with us every single Nowruz. At this point it has become a heartwarming family like the one of us. 

 

– ON

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant