SAEDNEWS: A rare photo of the Rafsanjani family’s distinctive Haft‑Seen table set at the mausoleum of Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani’s father has emerged, captivating observers with its symbolic touches.
According to Saed News, a striking image from 2017 (1396) captures the Rafsanjani family gathering at the shrine of Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani’s late father to mark Nowruz with an exquisitely curated Haft‑Seen spread. Unlike typical springtables, this arrangement featured personalized elements that underscored both familial devotion and the late president’s ideological legacy.
Photographed at the Imam Khomeini Shrine, the table’s traditional components—sabzeh (sprouts), samanu (wheat pudding), and senjed (dried oleaster)—are complemented by framed black‑and‑white portraits of the elder Rafsanjani, as well as calligraphic scrolls bearing his favorite Quranic verses. Gold‑rimmed mirrors and artisanal pottery crafted in Rafsanjan, the family’s hometown, lent a regional authenticity rarely seen in public commemorations.
The choice of setting—within the serene courtyards of the mausoleum—signals a poignant tribute, linking the renewal themes of Nowruz to the enduring values championed by Ayatollah Rafsanjani. Family members, dressed in muted traditional garb, are seen standing respectfully behind the table, their subdued presence emphasizing collective remembrance over personal display.
Cultural commentators suggest that this bespoke Haft‑Seen ceremony reflects a broader trend among Iran’s political families: blending intimate heritage rituals with public memorials to reinforce narratives of continuity and moral leadership. As modern Iran navigates complex social currents, such carefully orchestrated traditions serve as both a personal solace and a subtle reaffirmation of historical identity.