Name-day feast when Amordad day meets Amordad month. Celebrates immortality (Ameretat) and plant life. Iris is the symbolic flower of this festival.
Origin
Zoroastrian; celebration of day-month name coincidence in Amordad
Historical Context
Amordadegan is celebrated on the 7th of Amordad month. Amordad Amesha Spenta guards plants and represents immortality. On this day, Zoroastrians visit gardens and farms to give thanks for the blessing of plants. This festival occurs at the height of summer.
Traditions
Visiting Gardens: Going to gardens and green spaces
Planting: Planting trees or plants as a symbol of immortality
Decorating with Flowers: Adorning homes with iris and summer flowers
Thanksgiving: Gratitude for the blessing of plants and nature
Symbols & Meanings
Iris Flower: Symbol of this festival and immortality
Green Plants: Symbol of life and freshness
Trees: Symbol of endurance and permanence
Fun Facts
'Amordad' comes from Avestan 'Ameretat' meaning immortality. The correct name is 'Amordad' not 'Mordad' - the prefix 'a-' means 'not' and 'Mordad' would mean 'death'! Amordad and Khordad form a complementary pair: perfection and immortality.
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