Day 13 of the Persian New Year: Nature Day
Sizdah be-dar, or Nature Day, is a special traditional holiday celebrated by Iranians as the Persian New Year. Known locally as Nature Day or Spring Nature Festival, this traditional celebration usually showcases the beauty of nature and, like other Iranian cultural traditions, incorporates elements of ritual, spring festivals and social events.
Sizdah be-dar is usually celebrated on the 13th day of the Iranian New Year. On this day, people leave their homes and head to parks and other natural attractions to spend this wonderful time with family and friends.
The celebration usually includes picnics, games and social activities. People will set up blankets, tables, chairs and other paraphernalia in the park, enjoy food and tea, and gather with friends. In addition, people will also play traditional games such as archery, jumping rope, and playing with paper airplanes to celebrate this special day.
Sizdah be-dar traditionally takes place outdoors, so people carry Haft Sin table flowers, a special bouquet of seven different plants, on this day. These plants represent new life, health, wealth, wisdom, courage, cleanliness and love.
On this special day, people also perform worship ceremonies to express their gratitude and respect to the gods. In some areas, people also perform some traditional prayers for peace and prosperity in the coming year.
Sizdah be-dar has always been a very important holiday for Iranians. On this special day, people can relax, enjoy the beautiful natural scenery, spend time with friends and family, and strengthen their relationships and friendship. At the same time, this holiday expresses the Iranian people's love and respect for nature, which is inseparable from their traditions and culture.
In modern Iranian cities, the meaning and value of this festival has maintained its enduring vitality despite the great changes in people's lifestyles and habits. In conclusion, Sizdah be-dar is a beautiful, colorful and uniquely meaningful traditional festival that has had a profound impact on the people and cultural traditions of Iran.