Friday, March 23, 2007

Haftsin

A major part of the New Year rituals of the New Year's Day festival (NOWRUZ) is setting a special table with seven specific items beginning with the letter sin (S). All of these Items stand for sth:

Sabzeh: wheat or lentil sprouts Made from wheat or lentil this S signifies rebirth and renewal.
Samanu: a creamy Wheat pudding. Wheat and wheat products signify sweetness and fertility.
Seeb: apple symbolizes health and beauty.
Senjed: the dried fruit of lotus tree for love.
Sir: garlic which is considered medicinal represents health.
Somagh: sumac berries symbolizes the spice of life. Some say Somagh represents the color of the sunrise and with the sun all evil is conquered.
Serkeh: vinegar represents old age and patience.

There are other things you can place on the table which may not begin with letter 's' but have significance. For instance, a book symbolizing wisdom (Koran, Bible, Torah, Avesta or other Scriptures, or Poetry depending on beliefs)

Ayne: A Mirror To bring light & reflection of the life into the New Year
Sha’am: Two Candelabras Candles large or small symbolize fire, energy and Happiness.
mahi: Gold Fishes (usually two) in a fish bowl for life / Water for brightness.
Sekeh: Gold Coins Wealth and Prosperity .
Tokhm-e Morgh: Decorated Eggs Symbolizes fertility of People and Land. (Eggs are painted by children much like Easter eggs are painted.)
Esfand or Esphand: Wild Rue A brazier "Manghal" holding burning coals sprinkled with "Esphand" a popular incense. It keeps the evil eye away and brings on health.
Sonbol and Laleh: hyacinth and tulip, two flowers symbolize spring.
The table may also include an orange floating in a bowl of water to symbolize planet earth floating in space.

1 Comments:

Blogger Hamaad Djamshidi said...

Wow... it was great! ;) :D

I'll call to congratulate you this weekend. Please do remind me to tell you something about my experience with our multi-national 7 sin. ;) :D

Hamaad :)

Friday, 23 March, 2007  

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