Nature Day in Iran (Sizdah Bedar)

Nature Day, known as Sizdah Bedar (سیزده‌بدر), is a traditional Iranian festival celebrated on the 13th day of Farvardin, the first month of the Iranian calendar. This typically falls on April 2nd in the Gregorian calendar, marking the end of the Nowruz (Persian New Year) celebrations, which begin on March 21st.

History and Traditions

Sizdah Bedar has its roots in ancient Persia and has been celebrated for thousands of years. It is closely tied to Zoroastrianism, which was the predominant religion of Persia before the spread of Islam. The number thirteen is considered an unlucky number in Iranian culture, and Sizdah Bedar serves as a day to mitigate any potential bad luck by spending time outdoors.

What People Do on This Day

• Picnics: Families and friends gather for picnics in natural surroundings such as parks, gardens, or countryside areas. It's a day dedicated to enjoying nature and spending time away from urban environments.
• Outdoor Activities: Traditional outdoor activities include playing sports, singing songs, dancing, and making merry.
• Knotting Greenery: A popular tradition involves tying knots in sprouts of greenery (usually grass), symbolizing wishes for good luck and prosperity.
• Throwing Sprouts: The sprouts grown for Haft-Seen tables during Nowruz are thrown into running water on Sizdah Bedar to symbolize the throwing away of bad luck.
• Reconnecting with Nature: The core theme is reconnecting with nature; thus many people spend their time appreciating the beauty around them and reflecting on their place within it.