Plant gathering festival on the 2nd of Ordibehesht, a day for collecting flowers and medicinal herbs from nature. This day is dedicated to an angel symbolizing honesty and purity, falling one day before Ordibeheshtgan.
Origin
Ancient spring ritual of gathering plants
Historical Context
On the 2nd of Ordibehesht, people would venture into nature to gather flowers and plants. Ordibehesht month marks peak spring bloom in Iran when medicinal herbs reach their best quality. According to ancient tradition, Ahura Mazda taught Zoroaster to honor living trees and plants as divine creations.
Traditions
Going to Nature: Wandering in meadows and mountains to pick flowers
Collecting Medicinal Plants: Gathering herbs for healing and food
Preparing for Ordibeheshtgan: Getting ready for the next day's festival
Fun Facts
Persian medicine is one of the oldest holistic health systems in the world. Zoroastrian priests (Magi and Mobeds) were among the first teachers of medicine, passing herbal knowledge through generations. The sacred Haoma plant represents health and divine spirit in Zoroastrianism.
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