Sizdah Bedar

Sizdah Bedar

 

Iranian people start their New Year with the Nowruz Festival, which lasts 13 days. Sizdah Bedar is a continuing Persian tradition celebrated annually on the 13th day of the Farvardin month (the second day of April), the first month of the Iranian calendar. As a part of Nowruz, it has a special place in Iranian culture. On this designated day, people explore nature, engage in specific customs to mark the end of Nowruz festivities, do some sports activities, reconnect with the environment, and enjoy that day. In addition, it is an official holiday in Iran. It is also known as Nature Day after the revolution in Iran.

 

History

 

The historical roots of this day are unspecified before the Qajar era. However, there is some evidence that Sizdah Bedar has deep ties to the Zoroastrian and ancient beliefs. Ancient Iran had a deep respect for nature and the four fundamental elements: water, air, fire, and wind. They believed the 13th day of Farvardin was the peak of natural energies, making it an ideal time to reconnect with nature. This day marks the conclusion of the Nowruz festivities, leading individuals back to their everyday activities.

 

In ancient Iranian tradition, Sizdah Bedar means a celebration to mark the victory of the rain god over the drought demon. Moreover, after holding the Nowruz ceremony, people would go to the plains and deserts on that day, which belongs to the rain god and is named Tashtar or Tishtar. Thus, they celebrate, dance, and pray to God for rain. Therefore, Sizdah-Bedar was a special day to ask for rain. Also, in ancient Persia, the number 13 was sacred. Nevertheless, there is a mistaken belief about this number that originated from other religions and traditions. They believed that the number 13 was sinister (bad luck).

 

 

Philosophy of Sizdah Bedar

 

One of the central aspects of Sizdah Bedar is the emphasis on human harmony with nature. On this specific day, Iranians represent symbiosis with nature by going out into nature and doing activities, such as knotting Sabzeh (brunette) and releasing it into the water. This philosophy shows values like respect for the environment, thanks to the earth and water, and a renewed commitment to nature.

 

Manners and Customs

 

On Sizdah Bedar day, people go to nature and enjoy themselves with their families, relatives, and friends. In addition to enjoying nature, this day has other manners and customs.

 

Knotting Sabzeh

 

One of the most significant customs of Sizdah Bedar is knotting Sabzeh. People, especially the young generation, knot Sabzeh and make wishes in hopes of happiness, marriage, and achieving aspirations. This action symbolizes human interaction with nature and belief in positive energies from the environment.

 

 

Returning Sabzeh to nature

 

Sabzeh is one of the seven elements on the Haft Sin table for the Nowruz Festival. On the 13th day of Nowruz, people take their Sabzeh outside and place it in flowing water or nature. This act marks the end of Nowruz and the return to the earth’s natural cycle. It also emphasizes the importance of respecting and preserving nature.

 

Prayers and Wishes

 

Besides knotting Sabzeh, many people share their wishes and prayers with nature. This practice is rooted in the belief in nature’s mystical powers.

 

Family Picnics

 

Spending time in nature and having family picnics is a central ritual of Sizdah Bedar. On this particular day, families bring traditional foods such as Ash Reshteh, Kebabs, and local dishes outdoors to enjoy.

 

Eating Lettuce and Sekanjabin

 

Sekanjabin is one of the oldest traditional Iranian drinks. It is made of honey, vinegar, and sometimes mint. This drink is particularly popular during the summer months. Its taste is sweet and sour, and it has a cool nature. Since many of the foods prepared for Nowruz are sweet, the consumption of lettuce and Sekanjabin can moderate people’s flavor and nature.

 

Eating Ashe Dough

 

Ashe Dough is known as a Yogurt Soup. It is originally from the northwest of Iran and is one of the traditional and popular soups of Ardabil City. This soup has a mild flavor.

 

 

Games and Entertainment

 

Sizdah Bedar is an opportunity for group games and entertainment. These activities include volleyball, dodgeball, and local competitions. These activities create fun and foster social relationships.

 

Lie of Thirteen

 

The lie of thirteen (in Persian, Dourugh-e Sizdah) is the same as April Fool’s Day, which is held on the first of April. On that day, relatives and friends lie to each other, which is more like telling jokes.

 

Throwing 13 Pebbles

 

In the Kurdish areas of Iran, when the fun of Sizdah Bedar is over, people decide to go back to their homes, so they pick up 13 pebbles on the way and throw them behind their backs. As mentioned, some people believe that the number 13 brings bad luck, so this custom is to ward off bad luck.

 

Social Dimensions of Sizdah Bedar

 

Sizdah Bedar is not only an individual or family tradition. It is a chance to increase social connection. On this date, all generations gather together and share joyful moments. This social convergence enhances the sense of belonging to the Iranian culture and identity.

 

Environmental Aspects of Sizdah Bedar

 

One of the significant aspects of Sizdah Bedar is the preservation and respect of nature. This day can be an opportunity to train on the importance of protecting the environment. A few things are essential to preserve nature and the environment, such as:

1- Collecting waste and avoiding leaving garbage behind.

2- Respecting plants and avoiding breaking twigs and branches or damaging trees.

3- Using reusable containers instead of single-use plastics.

4- Avoiding fires in sensitive natural areas.

 

Sizdah Bedar in the Modern World

 

Despite lifestyle changes, Sizdah Bedar remains in Iranian traditions. Even in the modern lifestyle, many people hold this tradition and find it a chance to recover energy and create joyful moments.

Sizdah Bedar is an essential Iranian tradition that has endured across generations. It is still held in all parts of Iran. This day symbolizes joy, happiness, social connections, and unity with the environment. Moreover, it emphasizes the connection between humanity and the natural environment.