Celebration of the first Wednesday of the new year, symbolizing an auspicious beginning. If the last Wednesday (Chaharshanbe Suri) is for warding off evil, the first Wednesday welcomes good fortune.
Origin
Persian tradition; complement to Chaharshanbe Suri
Historical Context
In Persian tradition, beginnings and endings of periods hold special importance. Just as Chaharshanbe Suri marks the end of the old year, the first Wednesday of the new year celebrates the start of a new period. This festival falls during the Nowruz period.
Fun Facts
Wednesday holds a special place in Persian culture. The last Wednesday of the year (Chaharshanbe Suri) involves fire and jumping over it, while the first Wednesday is celebrated with hope and prayers for a good year.
Related Events
Nowruz
Nowruz, the world's oldest celebration, marks the Persian New Year and the spring equinox. This festival symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, warmth over cold, and life over death. Celebrated continuously for over 3,000 years since the Achaemenid era, Nowruz is observed by more than 300 million people worldwide across Iran, Central Asia, the Caucasus, and diaspora communities. Its rituals—including Haft-Seen (and its predecessor Haft-Shin), Chaharshanbe Suri, Sizdah Bedar, spring cleaning, and family visits—all symbolize renewal of nature and the human spirit.
Nowruz-e Bozorg (Great Nowruz)
The Great Nowruz (Khordad Sal) falls on the 6th of Farvardin (Khordad day). In Zoroastrian tradition, this is the birthday of Zoroaster and the spiritual peak of Nowruz. Sassanid kings held public audiences on this day.
Sizdah Bedar
Nature Day marking the end of Nowruz holidays. Families picnic outdoors, tie sabzeh (greens), and enjoy communal games.
Rapithwin Festival
Rapithwin festival on the 3rd of Farvardin celebrates the return of warmth and light after winter. Rapithwin is the Yazata of noon and summer warmth who retreats underground during winter and returns with spring.