Sizdeh Bedar: The Iranian Celebration of Nature and Renewal
Sizdeh Badr, observed on the thirteenth day of Farvardin in the Iranian calendar, is one of the enduring celebrations associated with Nowruz, the Persian New Year. It is widely recognized in contemporary Iran as “Nature Day” and is a national holiday. The event is a unique occasion that stands apart from other Iranian festivities due to its somewhat ambiguous origins and lack of explicit historical documentation. Despite this, Sizdeh Bedar remains deeply ingrained in Iranian culture, blending ancient traditions with modern celebrations centered around nature, joy, and renewal.
Historical Origins and Significance
Unlike other Iranian festivals, Sizdeh Badr does not have a clearly defined foundation in ancient texts. However, references to the thirteenth day of Farvardin can be found in historical sources. The ancient Persians marked the beginning of the New Year with twelve days of celebration, symbolizing the twelve months of the year. On the thirteenth day, they would leave their homes to rejoice in nature, bringing the Nowruz festivities to a close.
Freidoon Junidi, a scholar of Persian history and culture, points out that in the Iranian calendar, each day of the month carries a specific name. The thirteenth day is called “Tir Day,” named after the deity Tir, known in Avestan texts as “Tishtariyeh.” Tir is associated with rain and is revered as a symbol of divine mercy. Kyros Niknam, another scholar of Iranian traditions, notes that ancient Iranians dedicated this day to the god of rain. As part of the celebration, people would gather in nature, near water sources, to pray for rainfall, ensuring prosperity for their crops and livelihood.