Haft-sin

Iranian (Persian) Haft sin table in Tehran.

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Outdoor Haft-Sin table in Tehran

Haft Sîn (Persian: هفت سین) or the seven 'S's is a major tradition of Nowruz (Nowruz marks the first day of spring and the beginning of the year in Iranian calendar), the traditional Iranian new year. Today the haft sin table includes seven specific items, all starting with the letter S or Sîn (س in the Persian alphabet). The items symbolically correspond to seven creations and holy immortals protecting them. Originally called Haft Chin (هفت چین), the Haft Sin has evolved over time, but has kept its symbolism. Traditionally, families attempt to set as beautiful a Haft Sîn table as they can, as it is not only of traditional and spiritual value, but also noticed by visitors during Nowruzi visitations and is a reflection of their good taste. The Haft Sin items are:

1. sabzeh (سبزه) - wheat, barley or lentil sprouts growing in a dish - symbolizing rebirth
2. samanu (سمنو)- a sweet pudding made from wheat germ - symbolizing affluence
3. senjed (سنجد)- the dried fruit of the oleaster tree - symbolizing love
4. sîr (سیر)- garlic - symbolizing medicine
5. sîb (سیب)- apples - symbolizing beauty and health
6. somaq (سماق)- sumac berries - symbolizing (the color of) sunrise
7. serkeh (سرکه)- vinegar - symbolizing age and patience

A slightly less traditional Haft Sin may also include:

• sonbol (سنبل)- the fragrant hyacinth flower (the coming of spring)
• sekkeh (سکه)- coins (prosperity and wealth)

There is an additional thing in the "Haft Sin" which is Gold fish. Other items on the table may include:

• traditional Iranian pastries such as baghlava (باقلوا),
• "toot" (توت)- (usually white) berries, naan-nokhodchi (نان نخودچی)
• dried nuts, berries and raisins that is called "Aajeel" (آجیل)
• lit candles (enlightenment and happiness)
• a mirror
• a sweet mint syrup called sekanjabin
• decorated eggs, sometimes one for each member of the family (fertility)
• a bowl with goldfish (life, and the sign of Pisces which the sun is leaving)
• a bowl of water with an orange in it (the earth floating in space)
• rose water, used to cleanse in the Islamic tradition prior to prayer and is also heavily prevalent in Iranian cuisine
• the national colours, for a patriotic touch
• A Poetry book, such as the Shahnameh or the Divan of Hafez, and/or a holy book such as the Quran or the Bible.

Gallery

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  Haftsin Table
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  Haftsin Table
• Haftsin Table
  Haftsin Table
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  Haftsin Table
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  Haftsin Table
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  Haftsin Table in Sharif university of Iran
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  Haftsin in the White House

Sep-Sin

External links

• Iranian Traditional Tables including Haft-Sin
• شمارش معکوس تا تحويل سال 1389 شمسي (Persian)