Daramzinan or "Bull Banner" festival, an ancient celebration connected to the Kaviani Banner. Colorful banners were raised. In the morning, people ate apples and smelled narcissus; at night, hyacinth was thrown into fire.
Origin
Ancient Persian mythological ritual - connected to Fereydun and Kaviani Banner
Historical Context
This festival has symbolic connections to Kaveh the Blacksmith's uprising and the Kaviani Banner. Dey 16 also marks the start of Maidyarem Gahambar, a five-day midwinter festival celebrating the creation of animals.
Traditions
Raising banners and flags
Eating apples in the morning
Smelling narcissus flowers
Throwing hyacinth into fire at night
Fun Facts
Other names for this festival are "Kaktel" and "Gav Katal," all referring to bulls. Fereydun, the Shahnameh hero, was raised by the cow Purmayeh and his mace was called "Gav-sar" (Bull-headed).
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