Haftsin is a traditional table setting that Iranians prepare f | EnglishTribune کانال زبان علی شکوهی

Haftsin is a traditional table setting that Iranians prepare for the Persian New Year, also known as Nowrooz. The word "haft" means seven in Persian, and "sin" refers to the seven items that start with the letter "S" in the Persian alphabet. These items symbolize different aspects of life and are believed to bring good luck, health, and prosperity for the upcoming year.

Haftsin is usually set up on the last Wednesday of the year, which is called Chaharshanbe Suri. It consists of a tablecloth, mirror, candles, flowers, and seven specific items arranged in a particular order. The seven items are:

1. Sabzeh (wheat or lentil sprouts): Sabzeh represents rebirth and growth. Iranians grow these sprouts at home before Nowrooz and place them on the Haftsin table.

2. Samanu (sweet pudding): Samanu is made from wheat germ and symbolizes fertility and sweetness.

3. Senjed (dried fruit of the lotus tree): Senjed represents love and affection.

4. Seer (garlic): Garlic symbolizes health and medicine.

5. Seeb (apple): Apple represents beauty and health.

6. Somagh (sumac): Somagh represents sunrise and new beginnings.

7. Serkeh (vinegar): Vinegar symbolizes patience and age.

In addition to these seven items, Iranians also add other elements to their Haftsin table based on their personal preferences or family traditions. Some common additions include coins for wealth, goldfish for good luck, hyacinth flowers for beauty, colored eggs for fertility, holy book or poetry book for wisdom, sweets for happiness, or a bowl of water with goldfish swimming in it to represent life.

Haftsin is not only a beautiful decoration but also an important part of Iranian culture that brings families together during Nowrooz celebrations. It is customary to gather around the Haftsin table at midnight on Nowrooz day to pray together and exchange gifts while enjoying traditional foods such as sabzi polo mahi (herbed rice with fish), ash reshteh (noodle soup), or kookoo sabzi (herb frittata).

Haftsin has been an essential part of Iranian culture for thousands of years since ancient times when Zoroastrianism was the dominant religion in Iran. Zoroastrians used to celebrate Nowrooz as their new year's day by performing various rituals such as fire jumping or visiting family members' graves to pay respect to their ancestors.

Today Haftsin remains an important tradition that Iranians all over the world cherish dearly as a way to connect with their roots and celebrate their heritage during one of the most significant holidays of the year.