28
Feb
Feb
The story of sizdeh-bedar
The story you’ve shared is about the celebration of “Sizdah Bedar,” which takes place on the thirteenth day of the Persian New Year, known as “Nowruz.” This day holds great significance in Persian culture, symbolizing joy, nature, and the renewal of life. It’s a day when people venture outdoors to enjoy picnics, games, and the beauty of nature, particularly near rivers, greenery, and forests.
Contrary to the misconception that the thirteenth day is considered unlucky, in Persian culture, none of the days of the year are labeled as “unlucky” or “ominous.” Each day of the week and month is associated with positive aspects of nature or divinity. For example, the thirteenth day of each solar month is called “Tir Ruz,” named after the star “Tishtrya,” which is associated with bringing rain.
Historically, the thirteenth day of Nowruz has been celebrated as a day of joy and festivity. Ancient Persian kings, like Jamshid, would set up tents in green fields and celebrate lavishly. This tradition continued over the years, evolving into a cultural celebration where people gather outdoors, cook traditional foods like “ash” (a type of soup), and engage in activities like tying knots on green grass, symbolizing the tying of bad luck.
Additionally, over time, rituals such as cooking ash, tying green grass, and other activities have been added to the festivities, creating a sense of community and togetherness. People engage in various activities for entertainment, cooking food, or making fires, all while reinforcing the importance of preserving nature.
Overall, Sizdah Bedar is a beautiful celebration that highlights the connection between people and nature, emphasizing joy, renewal, and community bonding. It’s also a reminder of the importance of environmental stewardship, as evidenced by the tradition’s focus on nature conservation.