Kamangir (Archer)

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Symbols

Kamangir | June 22, 2006 | Category Iran

Ahmadinejad is having another trip. This time he is spending a few days in Hamadan Province. He is trying to show his real devotion to the nation. So, the cabinet meetings are held in different location around the country.

So sorry if the page is very heavy. I have lots of pictures and I think they carry good insights into the administration and its connection to the people. I think at the end we may have some clues for the dilemma of why some Iranians really like this man.

In the first set of picture I try to show a few symbols that I think are important. All the pictures are taken during his speech in Hamadan, where ordinary people gathered and listened to his words, well more or less.

From the size of the fingers and lack of hair on them I would say this is a lady’s right hand. The important factor in this picture is the reddish dye on the skin. It is made by a herb called Henna (Persian: ØÙ†Ø§) also known as Egyptian Privet (see). In other countries people use Henna for coloring skin or hair. But, the application of Henna in Iran is very much limited to the elderly. In fact, applying Henna has ties to Islam; it is a general belief that the prophet liked Henna. I have no more detailed information on this subject. But, if you see a hand like this in Iran you would instantaneously think you are meeting a very traditional woman. Furthermore, for people who work with their hands such as in construction Henna has another purpose; it makes the skin thicker.
My late grandfather used to wear a hat like this. I do not know the roots but people who return from a pilgrimage, especially from Mecca, wear this hat. Again, it is a sign of tradition not practiced by the new generations.

Rue (Persian: Ø§Ø³ÙÙ†Ø¯ - Ø§Ø³Ù¾Ù†Ø¯) (see) (I am still not sure if I have found the perfect translation) is another sign of tradition. Evil eye is a serious belief in the Iranian-Islamic tradition. According to that if people get jealous of your achievements they may intentionally or unitentionally hurt you. A fast and simple cure for that is Rue’s scent. According to the tradition, and I have had it a hundred times being applied to me, Rue is put on hot charcoal. Then the container, from the top of which the scent is rising, will be moved in the house and around people’s heads. Some people say the antibacterial effects of the scent are the origins of the practice. Here, probably a woman, if guarding the president from an evil eye. The scarf around the man’s neck indicates his sympathy or involvement in the religious-political institutions like Basij. While the last three symbols were related to very old traditions this one is a thirty-year old young, and yet very powerful, tradition.

Reader's Comments

bucket | June 22nd, 2006 at 5:21 pm
Rue? It is known in Europe, very long ago, it has a old history as something women can take if they wish for an abortion or miscarriage.

It is also used in modern day to flavor grappa, but other than that it is very unfamiliar in current Western society.
Arash | June 22nd, 2006 at 6:22 pm
Bucket,
So, I am wrong. I will try to find the correct name. Thanks for the comment.
bucket | June 23rd, 2006 at 7:44 am
Maybe you are not wrong, I was just commenting on what or how it has been used in Europe.
Sage is commonly used as a cleansing herb, it is bundled and lit and the smoke is said to get rid of “bad vibes” I think this is traditional a native American usage that has been adopted by new agers.

I am curious what it is tho if you are still unsure as I have an interest in herbs and such.
ByronB | June 23rd, 2006 at 7:49 am
I suppose you would expect the people who turn out for Ahmadinejad to be traditionalists like him - what would be more disturbing would be to see lots of young folk wearing jeans, T shirts drinking Coke and playing pop music turning up to cheer him!
Arash | June 23rd, 2006 at 12:56 pm
Bucket,
I will try to find out. And I am not sure how!
Arash | June 23rd, 2006 at 12:57 pm
Byronb,
Indeed, traditional people are more likely to support him. But that also gives us a clue. Why do these people support him? What does he have that makes him a good president for them? That’s the question I am trying to answer.
bucket | June 23rd, 2006 at 11:16 pm
I found this….
In Middle Persian, the name aspand is recorded for a bitter plant (perhaps Syrian rue, Peganum harmala); modern Farsi has afsentin [Ø§ÙØ³Ù†Ø·ÛŒÙ†] â€œwormwoodâ€ and espand [Ø§Ø³Ù¾Ù†Ø¯] â€œSyrian rueâ€. This plant is not related to the herb commonly called rue.

If this is the herb you are speaking of it is used commonly in Europe in a mix to make absinthe and is known for it’s psychedelic properties.
Arash | June 24th, 2006 at 10:14 am
Bucket,
That’s it! Thanks for the research you have done on this subject. Why are you so interested in herbs?
bucket | June 25th, 2006 at 10:52 am
I am so interested because cooking is my passion, and I am at the beginning of starting a cooking school with my dad. So I find all herbs, foods, drinks etc. of all people fascinating and I try to gather as much information and knowledge about not just their culinary use, but also their health properties or even traditional applications.
Arash | June 25th, 2006 at 8:06 pm
Bucket,
Have you ever had a Persian food?
ByronB | June 26th, 2006 at 7:50 am
A sense of certainty? For older people, the way the world is changing and modernising must be quite frightening, so a return to the ‘certainties’ of the past as defined by strict religious lines must be hughely tempting.