Sizdah Bedar

Sizdah Be-Dar, also known as Nature’s Day, is an ancient Persian tradition celebrated on the 13th day of Norouz, the Persian New Year. It marks the end of the 12-day Norouz festivities and encourages people to spend time outdoors, embracing nature and welcoming the renewal of spring. The name “Sizdah Be-Dar” translates to “getting rid of the thirteenth,” with the number 13 often symbolizing a transition, change, or a new beginning.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Sizdah Be-Dar has roots in Zoroastrianism, the ancient pre-Islamic religion of Persia, where it was believed that spending time in nature helped people reconnect with the earth and ensure prosperity in the year ahead. Ancient Persians saw the natural world as sacred, and this day was an opportunity to show respect for nature while enjoying its beauty.

In addition to its spiritual significance, Sizdah Be-Dar is a day for community bonding and socializing. By spending the day outdoors, it was believed that any misfortune or negative energy would be avoided, ensuring good fortune for the rest of the year. Today, Sizdah Be-Dar has evolved into a joyful holiday that brings together families, friends, and entire communities in parks, mountains, and natural spaces.

Traditions and Activities

On Sizdah Be-Dar, people gather in nature, usually in parks, gardens, or countryside areas, to enjoy picnics, games, and entertainment. Families prepare traditional Persian food, including kebabs, salads, and fresh herbs, and spend the day relaxing, playing sports, and enjoying each other’s company. Popular activities include:

1. Picnicking: A central part of the day is sharing a meal outdoors, often including dishes such as Sabzi Polo ba Mahi (herbed rice with fish) and Kebab. Sharing food with family and friends strengthens the sense of togetherness.

2. Games and Entertainment: Sizdah Be-Dar is a day of fun, with families playing games like backgammon, cards, and sports such as soccer or volleyball. Children run around, fly kites, and enjoy the freedom of being outside after the structured Norouz celebrations.

3. Throwing Sabzeh: One of the key rituals of Sizdah Be-Dar is the act of throwing Sabzeh (sprouted greens) into rivers or streams. Sabzeh is grown in the weeks leading up to Norouz and symbolizes rebirth and growth. By throwing the Sabzeh into the water, people symbolically return the negative energy accumulated over the year back to nature, clearing the way for prosperity.

4. Wishing for the Future: For unmarried individuals, Sizdah Be-Dar is also seen as a time to make wishes for the future, particularly related to marriage. Young people often tie knots in blades of grass, making a wish for a future partner. This tradition symbolizes the desire for new beginnings and fruitful relationships.

5. Sizdah Bedar Songs and Dance: In some regions, people sing traditional songs or dance to celebrate the coming of spring and the close of the Norouz festivities, adding a lively, joyful energy to the day.

Modern-Day Sizdah Be-Dar

Today, Sizdah Be-Dar continues to be widely celebrated in Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and among Persian-speaking communities worldwide. In larger cities, parks and natural spaces are filled with families enjoying the day together, while in rural areas, people may gather in more secluded countryside locations.

Despite modernization and urbanization, Sizdah Be-Dar remains a cherished tradition, serving as a reminder of the close connection between humans and nature, and reinforcing the values of renewal, harmony, and community. It is a day of joy, reflection, and a positive outlook for the year ahead.

Conclusion

Sizdah Be-Dar is a beloved cultural event that not only closes the Norouz celebrations but also encourages appreciation of nature and social bonds. With its focus on renewal, joy, and togetherness, the tradition reflects the deep values of Persian culture, blending ancient beliefs with modern celebrations in a way that continues to resonate across generations.