Haftseen (Persian: "Haftseen/Haftsā") or the seven 'S's is a traditional table setting of Nowruz, the traditional Iranian spring celebration. Today the haft seen table includes seven specific items, all starting with the seen (Sā) in the Persian alphabet. Originally called Haftchin (Haftĉin), the Haft Seen has evolved over time, but has kept its symbolism. Traditionally, families attempt to set the most aesthetically appealing Haft Sīn table they can as an expression of traditional, spiritual, and social value, for visitors during Nowruz visitations. The Haft Seen items are:
1. Sabzeh - wheat, barley, mung bean or lentil sprouts growing in a dish - symbolising rebirth 2. Samanu - sweet pudding made from wheat germ - symbolising affluence 3. Senjed - dried oleaster fruit - symbolising love 4. Sir - garlic - symbolising medicine 5. Sib - apples - symbolising beauty and health 6. Somāq - sumac fruit - symbolising (the color of) sunrise 7. Serkeh - vinegar - symbolising old-age and patience
A slightly less traditional Haft Seen may also include:
* Sonbol - the fragrant hyacinth flower - symbolising the coming of spring * Sekkeh - coins - symbolising prosperity * Iranian pastries such as Baqlava , * Tut - white berries, Nān-Noxodchi ) * Ājil - dried nuts, berries and raisins * lit candles symbolising enlightenment and happiness * a mirror symbolising Truth, the reflection of the Real World * sekanjabin - a sweet mint syrup * decorated eggs, sometimes one for each member of the family symbolising fertility * a bowl with goldfish symbolising life, and the constellation of Pisces which the Sun is leaving * water with a bitter orange in it symbolising Earth "floating" in space * rose water, used to cleanse in Islam before prayer and is also heavily prevalent in Iranian cuisine * the flag of Iran * A poetry book, such as the Shahnameh or the Divan of Hafez, or a religious text such as the holy Quran or Avesta
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{K:102911} 3/22/2011