Fal-e Hafez or omen of Hafez, a divination art passed down through generations, has become a cherished practice for Iranians seeking answers and guidance in their lives.
In a country where poetry is revered a great deal, Hafez, a 14th-century Persian poet, holds a special place in the hearts of the people.
The art of fal-e Hafez has become a way for Iranians to connect with the divine and seek solace in uncertain times.
Amidst residential areas and tourist hotspots, men with trained parrots charm seekers with Hafez's verse-cards, unlocking the secrets of destiny upon a small payment.
Anyone can pose a question, never to be divulged to others, and turn to a page in Hafez's Divan at random for the answer. Should I embark on that journey? Is my heart's desire true? Will destiny lead me to success? Only God and Hafez know, and the response lies in the first couplet that catches one's eye.
This tradition is not limited to specific locations; it can be performed anywhere as long as Hafez's Divan is at hand.
Iranians turn to Hafez for counsel whenever the need arises, but they hold major festivities, like Norowz and Yalda Night seeking prophecies on turning points in their lives.
In the current iFilm series 'The Innocent Ones', the brilliant actor Daryoush Farhand portrays the role of Jalal, a character caught in the labyrinth of fate.
In one touching scene attached to this story, Jalal finds himself in a cemetery, where a young boy approaches him with a heartwarming offer - to buy an omen. The encounter with this innocent soul enriches the profound tradition of fal-e Hafez, showing how Iranians continue to seek wisdom and insight in the most unexpected places.
This ancient Persian tradition stands as a testament to the Iranian’s deep-rooted reverence for art and the profound connection they share with their literary legacy.
In the hands of Hafez, destiny finds its voice, and seekers find the wisdom they seek.
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