This is an antique water jug given to me by my parents. It is originally from Iran but I don't know how old it is or its exact provenance. I do know that I have grown up with it, and bring it out for Persian New Year, called Nowruz. During this time (the first day of Spring, usually around the Ides of March), we set a table called Haf- sin. It is an arrangement of seven symbolic items, starting with the letter "S" in Farsi. Each of them symbolize things: for example, the spice "sumac", known as somagh, symbolizes new beginnings. Garlic, rue, hyacinth, goldfish, eggs, vinegar, wheat germ, a mirror, sprouts and coins are among some of the symbolic items you may see on the table. Some Haf- sin tables are lavish: ours tends to be fairly simple.

Although the water jug is not an "s" word, it is one of only two cherished items that I have from Iran. I like its smooth lines and jaunty spout. A fan of silver hues rather than gold, the burnished look also suits me. 

My father was born in Tehran, and I was, too. I am not technically an immigrant, as my mother is American but my father emigrated from Iran to England, from England to Italy and from Italy to the U.S., before becoming an American citizen when I was about ten years old. Although we left when I was two and I don't speak the language, the food, the art, the sound of the language all provoke warm feelings for me. This pot has been on a journey from Iran to many parts of the U.S. as our family moved. 

– LB

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