Traditions, customs you will only see in Iran – Part 4

To truly understand a country’s culture and people, it is imperative to have a basic understanding of their customs and traditions.

In Iran, there are plenty of customs that are as routine as drinking water for Iranians but they can leave a foreign traveler with a raised eyebrow. 

Read on to discover the cultural customs only Iranians will understand and you will find only in Iran.  

4) Burning espand (seeds of harmala)

A very common practice not only in Iranian households but also in public is burning espand to ward off the evil eye. They are also believed to purify the air and to be beneficial for health.

The seeds are placed in a tin canister and heated over fire till they make a popping noise. While the seeds are burning and giving out their strong smell, Iranians say betereke cheshme hasoud (may jealous eyes explode) or cheshme hasoud kur (may jealous eyes be blind). At the same time, the canister is waved over the heads of the loved ones. Iranian mothers do this for their children after friends or acquaintances compliment them.

Espand is also generally burned from time to time in homes or any time an Iranian family moves into a new house as a sort of cleansing ritual to get rid of bad energy and protect the home. In these cases, it is common to send three salavat (an Arabic phrase often used after the name of the prophet of Islam which translates as God bless Mohammed and the people of Mohammed”.

Espand is also burned at weddings in which case the groom gives money to the person waving the smoke around. You will sometimes see people waving around espand on the street too.  

Also read:

Part 1 – Soor Dadan or offering pastries

Part 2 – Charitable deeds (Kheirat)

Part 3 – Throwing water behind the traveler

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