Samanu cooking ritual in Iran’s Shiraz

The ritual of Samanu cooking is one of the Persian intangible cultural legacies, which also has a particular place in Iranian culture.

Samanu is one of the famous foods made of germinated wheat and water. Samanu tastes sweet, and its color is dark brown.

According to Iranian beliefs, Samanu is the symbol of blessing, fertility, and strength; thus, it is one of the main items included in Nowruz Haft-Sin as well as in religious offerings.

The cooking ritual of Samanu is held variously in different parts of Iran. Preparing and cooking Samanu is a long and hard process and done in different ways.

Samanu cooking is the old tradition among the people of Iran’s Shiraz and has had a strong effect on their beliefs so much so that they have placed Samanu as a symbol of blessing on 'Haft Sin' in Nowruz occasion and in their religious offerings to Imam Mahdi (AS).

Samni cooking ritual in Shiraz took 72 hours to finish, during which the participants tell their wishes to God either in their hearts or in their tongues.

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