Sizdah Bedar: Celebrating Nature and the Connection between Humanity and the Earth

(Farsi Level: C1)

Sizdah Bedar is a precious Iranian tradition recognized as an intangible cultural treasure on Iran’s National Heritage List. Each year, on the thirteenth day of Farvardin, the first month of the Iranian calendar, Iranians take to the great outdoors to celebrate what is known as the Day of Nature. Marking the official end of the Nowruz festivities, this day encourages people to step outside their homes and enjoy the beauty of nature, spending quality time with family and friends in a joyful atmosphere.

The Roots and Philosophy of Sizdah Bedar

Sizdah Bedar is a traditional Iranian celebration with rich cultural and historical significance. It marks the official end of the Nowruz festivities in contemporary Iran. But why the number thirteen, and nature? Literary and historical works, such as the Shahnameh, explain that the word dar means valley or plain, while be translates to toward. Therefore, people celebrate Sizdah Bedar as the thirteenth day spent enjoying nature.

In ancient Iran, each day of the month had a specific name, just as the twelve months of the year carried unique titles, much like we see today. Whenever a day’s name matched the month’s, it sparked a joyful celebration. Known as the Twelve Festivals, these events celebrated the harmony of time and nature. The thirteenth day of the ancient Zoroastrian calendar is known as Tir Day, named after the deity Tir, referred to as Tishtrya in Avestan texts. Tishtrya is the deity of rain in ancient Iranian mythology and is famous for his battle against the demon of drought, Apush (or Apusha). In these legends, Apush takes on the form of a black horse, while Tishtrya is depicted as a white horse. The clash between these forces of good and evil is intense; Tishtrya initially faces defeat but ultimately prevails in a second confrontation. Following Tishtrya’s victory, life-giving water flows into fields, pastures, and lands, rescuing the earth from drought. To honor this myth, ancient Iranians would venture out to the plains on Tir Day—the thirteenth day of Nowruz—to offer prayers for rain.

Among some nomadic tribes in Iran, particularly those in Kerman, there exists a local legend known as Breaking the Leg of Thirteen. Based on this story, the leg of a wicked demon fractures on the thirteenth day, indicating the conclusion of a drought. Because of this belief, these tribes refrain from making significant decisions or starting crucial tasks from the beginning of Nowruz until this event occurs. They joyfully celebrate after noon on the thirteenth day, embracing the good fortune that follows.

Customs of Sizdah Bedar

On Sizdah Bedar, Iranians often venture out to plains, parks, or riversides to enjoy a delightful day with family and friends. This celebration provides a fantastic opportunity to break away from the hustle and bustle of urban life, allowing everyone to soak in the tranquility and freshness of nature together. Traditional dishes like yogurt soup (ash-e doogh) and noodle soup (ash-e-reshteh) are crafted with attention. People start fires and grill kebabs, creating a festive ambiance.

Group Games on Sizdah Bedar

Traditional group games, particularly for children, play a significant role in Sizdah Bedar. Activities like tug-of-war and Vasati, a conventional game, bring energy and excitement to the festivities. One enduring custom, still observed by some, is throwing thirteen stones into rivers. Participants throw stones so they skip across the water several times before sinking. Along with games and food, people also enjoy dancing and celebrating joyfully.

Tying the Sabzeh (Greenery)

In specific regions of Iran, it is a cherished tradition for people to tie knots in the Sabzeh, or sprouted greens, to express their wishes to nature and God. Historical records and Pahlavi texts indicate that this practice dates back to the creation story of Iran, which recounts the tale of Kiyumars, the first human king. Kiyumars had a daughter and a son, the first couple to marry. To celebrate their marriage, they tied two branches together. Today, on Sizdah Bedar, young unmarried men and women tie the Nowruz Sabzeh, or spring grasses, to express their hopes and dreams, especially about marriage.

Casting the Sabzeh into Water

One of the cherished traditions of Sizdah Bedar involves taking the Sabzeh from the Haft-Seen table and placing it in water. This practice, still widely followed today, has deep roots connected to Tishtrya, the rain deity, and Anahita, the goddess of water. Essentially, it represents a way for people to return the greenery—nurtured by Tishtrya’s blessings—to the water, serving as a tribute to the water deities.

Iranians’ Connection with Nature

The relationship between Iranians and nature goes beyond just Sizdah Bedar. In many regions, like Qazvin Province, people celebrate a similar event known as 50 Bedar, which reflects the same spirit and customs as Sizdah Bedar. During 50 Bedar, families prepare local dishes such as ash-e-reshteh and Doimaj, offering prayers of gratitude for the gift of spring rains. This celebration has also been recognized as an intangible cultural heritage in Iran.

If this insight into Iranian culture and traditions has sparked your curiosity, do not hesitate to contact our Persian instructors at Farsimonde!