A Dish For The Special Occasion
Last week of March is the most special time for Iranians, not only because of Nowruz (Persian New Year) itself but also to celebrate traditions before, for and after it.
As in the " New Year in the Time of Crisis for Iranians " I have written about some of them, it is time to know about Haft Seen Table.
For the Persian New Year, Iranians have an arrangement of seven symbolic items called Haft seen. But it is interesting that there are dishes that may be made for this purpose. Since this dish has seven compartments that is why scholars mostly call it as Haft Seen dish (Seven S), even though they might not necessarily sure about the actual use of it, but what is obvious is that dish has a hole at the back, even though it has a thick body it is hollow from inside, so the clay was taken out before it goes to the oven which makes it very light. Most scholars suggested it might have been put in something like cold water, in order to make sure the ingredients in the compartments stay cold and cool. (Listen to its podcast)
The technique has been used on this dish that made in Iran called laster (Persian: Zarrin Faam) and in order to get the laster and golden effect that is been used on this ceramic the powder had to apply laster pigment on the already glazed surface and put in the oven for the second time. But this time they should make sure that is has a control oxygen level, and that was the way they could assume that the rich golden effect will show up on the ceramic.
The Haft-Seen table represents nature. By tradition, Iranian families take great pains to create the most beautiful Haft-Seen table that they can, for not only does it embody values both traditional and spiritual, it is also appreciated by the visitors during Nowruz visiting exchanges as a reflection of the families' aesthetic sense and good taste.
As in the " New Year in the Time of Crisis for Iranians " I have written about some of them, it is time to know about Haft Seen Table.
For the Persian New Year, Iranians have an arrangement of seven symbolic items called Haft seen. But it is interesting that there are dishes that may be made for this purpose. Since this dish has seven compartments that is why scholars mostly call it as Haft Seen dish (Seven S), even though they might not necessarily sure about the actual use of it, but what is obvious is that dish has a hole at the back, even though it has a thick body it is hollow from inside, so the clay was taken out before it goes to the oven which makes it very light. Most scholars suggested it might have been put in something like cold water, in order to make sure the ingredients in the compartments stay cold and cool. (Listen to its podcast)
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The technique has been used on this dish that made in Iran called laster (Persian: Zarrin Faam) and in order to get the laster and golden effect that is been used on this ceramic the powder had to apply laster pigment on the already glazed surface and put in the oven for the second time. But this time they should make sure that is has a control oxygen level, and that was the way they could assume that the rich golden effect will show up on the ceramic.
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| Haft Seen Dish 13th Century Iran Glassware and Ceramics Museum of Iran |
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| A sample of Haft Seen Items |
Haft Seen Items And Their Representations:
1. Sabzeh: Grass, lentil and/or wheat sprouts, symbolizing growth and rebirth.
2. Seeb: Apple, symbolizing beauty and health.
3. Senjed: Oleaster, symbolizing love
4. Samanu: Wheat germ pudding, symbolizing affluence
5. Seer: Garlic, symbolizing medicine
6. Somâgh: Sumac, symbolizing the color of sunrise or flavor of life
7. Sekkeh: Coin, the symbol of wealth and prosperity.
or Serke: Vinegar, the symbol of patience.
This is the contemporary Haft Seen that every Iranians no matter what is their religion organize it across the globe for 13 days from the day of the vernal equinox, marking the beginning of spring on the Northern Hemisphere. There are some items may have changed during a long time of its existence which is around three thousand years, but it is still what is meant to be. Nowruz is a national and longest holiday in Iran.
4. Samanu: Wheat germ pudding, symbolizing affluence
7. Sekkeh: Coin, the symbol of wealth and prosperity.
or Serke: Vinegar, the symbol of patience.
This is the contemporary Haft Seen that every Iranians no matter what is their religion organize it across the globe for 13 days from the day of the vernal equinox, marking the beginning of spring on the Northern Hemisphere. There are some items may have changed during a long time of its existence which is around three thousand years, but it is still what is meant to be. Nowruz is a national and longest holiday in Iran.
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