Haft-Sin is a traditional Naw-Rúz table setting in Persia (Iran), more linked to the Persian roots of Naw-Rúz, than to the way Baha’is celebrate it, but still a lovely, picturesque idea. A Haft-Sin is an arrangement of 7 items that begin with S, each symbolising a wish for the new year. Here is my Haft-Sin for you:
Sabzeh – wheat, barley or lentil sprouts growing in a dish symbolize rebirth
Babies booties with tender curling vine sprouts, 1870-90, Metropolitan Museum of Art
Robe a la francaise with botanical print fabric and vining trim, 1770-1779, English, VandA
Samanu – a sweet pudding made from wheat germ symbolizes affluence
Corset with embroidery of oak leaves and wheat sheaves, 1876, Royal Worcester Corset Company, Metropolitan Museum of Art
Ball gown with embroidered wheat motifs, Jean-Phillipe Worth, 1900, Metropolitan Museum of Art
Senjed – the dried fruit of the oleaster tree, look like cherries and symbolizes love
Evening dress, Worth with berry print, 1898, Metropolitan Museum of Art
Berry covered toque, Julie Magner Company, 1910, Metropolitan Museum of Art
SÄ«r – garlic, symbolizes medicine and good health.
Poor Dulcinea (below) was criticised for being so robust and healthy that she more resembled a ‘garlic eating peasant’ than the lady of Don Quixote’s fantasies.
Dulcinea del Tobos by Charles Robert Leslie, 1839, VandA
Nursing dress, 1825-30, VandA
SÄ«b – apples for beauty and health
Vest with embroidery of fruiting branches, 1780-90, Metropolitan Museum of Art
Apple-red shoes, 1732—59, British, Metropolitan Museum of Art
Somaq – sumac berries – symbolizing sunrise (through their colour) and new beginnings
Sunrise ball gown, House of Worth, ca 1887, Metropolitan Museum of Art
Evening dress, ca 1925, Voisin, Victoria and Albert Museum
Serkeh – vinegar symbolizes age and patience.
Spangled and embroidered ladies jacket, 1600-1620, VandA
Stomacher, 1720, English, Metropolitan Museum of Art
Delicious, thank you dear one! So many beautiful things, indeed a blessing!
Beautiful!
This was wonderful reading (and viewing). Thank you!
You’ve found such preties for us!