Sizdah be dar

On 13th of Farvardin, (it is coincided with 2nd of April) all Iranians struggle to make the best of this day and complete the memorable holiday of Nowruz.

The family picnic is seen on each side and there is a certain passion in every part of the country. From morning to evening, you can create sweet times with your loved ones and close the diary of Nowruz celebrations.

This day is known as the day of nature in the official calendar of our country and also is one of the official holidays. People come out of their homes and go to nature in groups.

It’s an old belief among most cultures and nations around the world that number 13 is unlucky and the people try not to choose 13th of every month for doing their important affairs. Although some Iranians have the same belief, in Persian historical and literary writings, it has not been mentioned that 13 is unlucky. Probably it is the non-Iranian belief that has come to the country through commercial and cultural relations.

To prove that 13 is not unlucky in Persian culture, we give two examples. In Mazdayasna religion, the 13th day of every month belongs to “Rain God” and the Iranians prayed for raining, growing plants and prosperity. Also in Persian myths, it has been mentioned that the age of creation is 12000 years and then there will be no terrestrial world and the humans will have immortal life in the celestial world. So, the first 12th days of Farvardin symbolize the 12000 years and the 13th day symbolizes the beginning of new life in another world. Therefore, the reason of going to nature is to celebrate this day not because it is an unlucky day.

At this day, the Iranians go on a picnic in groups from morning to evening and both the adults and children play many games. To end the Nowruz celebration, the families leave their “Sabzeh” (one of the things that is put in Haft Sin) in the water.