Haft Sin: Shine Of The Persian New Year

Haft Sin or Haftseen ( in Persian: هفت‌سین, in English: Seven "s") is a collection of seven symbolic things whose name starts with the persian letter "س" (pronounced as "seen"), and also "Haft" in Persian means seven number. 

Nowruz, or the Iranian New Year, is one of the most beautiful traditions celebrated for over 3000 years. Iranian families celebrate it every year on the first day of spring, corresponding to the 21st of March.

Iranians perform different rituals to honor this great day. One of these rituals is preparing the Haft Seen table, which has a special meaning and shows one of the important aspects of Iranian culture. In this section of CyrusCrafts magazine, we are going to talk about haftseen and the meaning behind it, so stay with us.

Why is the Haft Sin Table Set with Seven "s"?

Seven is sacred for the ancient Iranians and is used as a positive concept, auspiciousness, and a good omen. Used the seven, for example, the seven colors of the rainbow, the seven Khan Rostam in the Shahnameh, the seven skies, the seven climates, the seven days of the week, the seven angels, seven cities, seven figures, and i.e.

What are the Haft Sin items in the Iranian New Year?

What is Haft Sin? Haft-sin is one of the most famous Nowruz ceremonies. It is placed on the floor or table, and family members usually sit next to it at the beginning of the Iranian new year. This table consists of gathering and choosing seven things containing:

1. Sabzeh (سبزه) - wheat, barley, mung bean, or lentil sprouts are grown in a dish.
2. Samanu (سمنو) - wheat germ sweet pudding
3. Senjed (سنجد) - Oleaster
4. Serkeh (سرکه) - vinegar
5. Seeb (سیب) - apple
6. Seer (سیر) - garlic
7. Somaq (سماق) - Sumac which is the symbol of love and compassion

Haft Sin table setting complete guide

From the past until now, some optional items are also placed on this table to complete the spiritual and symbolic concepts of the seven Sins. Some of them are mirror candles, Sekkeh or coin, classical Iranian poetry books, Sombol or hyacinth flower, colored eggs, goldfish, and Persian snacks, which can be placed on the Haft sin table according to the customs, traditions, and beliefs of different people.

The Haft seen table usually stays in the houses until the end of Nowruz. Some people put the Sabzeh into the water on the thirteenth day of Nowruz.

Tablecloth for Haft Sin Table

Along with all Haft Sin elements, a beautiful tablecloth with traditional and original designs is an inescapable part of this table. Since Haft Sin is one of the Iranian traditions, it is better to use Iranian handicrafts. Termeh tablecloth is the best choice.

Haft Sin Set and Accessories

Haft Sin set has a lot of types and material, for example:

• Pottery bowls
• Glasses dishes
• Metal engraving 
• Wooden dishes

The best model for the Haft Seen set is the handicraft model. And this collection makes the best way to start the new year unique and beautiful. 

What does the Haft Sin Symbolize?

Haft Sin items on the table have special meaning as reading following.

The Holy Quran

The Holy Quran is the first thing Iranians put on the table when setting the Haft Sin table. With the coming of Islam to Iran and the conversion of Iranians, they put the Quran on their Haft Sin table to start the

Sabzeh

Sabzeh is one of the components of the Haft Sin table, which makes hearts happy with its color and freshness. 

 In ancient Iran, 25 days before Nowruz, 12 columns of raw clay were erected in the palace of kings, and a type of seed was planted on each. If the seeds grow well, they have a blessed year ahead. Sabzeh symbolizes freshness and greenness and indicates human life and his connection with nature.

Seeb as a Haft seen item

Seeb or apple is a symbol of health and beauty that Iranians put on the table to maintain the health of their family members.

Samanu for Haft Sin table

Samanu is prepared from freshly ripened wheat sprouts and symbolizes the birth and fertility of plants and the abundance of foods.

Senjed; Haft Sin item 

Senjed or oleaster is another part of the Nowruz brotherhood; the fragrance of its leaves and blossoms is a stimulus of love and affection and a symbol of fertility, love, and affection.

Seer for Persian Haft Sin

Seer or garlic is another component of the Haft Sin table, which is a symbol of disinfection and cleanliness of the environment and health of the body, as well as removing sore eyes. For this reason, Zoroastrians put garlic on the Haft Sin table because they believed the smell of garlic escaped the demons. They peel the garlic and then put it on the table.

Other symbolizes in haft sin meaning

Other Haft Sin symbolizes meaning are contained:

• Coin (a symbol of good fortune and income)
• Egg (symbol of birth and creation and a sign of sperm and race)
• Mirror (symbol of light)
• Water and fish (symbol of blessing in life)

CyrusCrafts' last point about Haft-sin

Haft-Sin is a traditional Persian ceremony in the new year. And have a long history. In this ceremony, seven positive, energetic, and good things were placed on the table to start the new year. What is your idea about Haft Sin?