The ancient festival of "Mey Khareh" on the 18th of Amordad, celebrating the grape harvest, the start of the wine-making season, and drinking sacred elixirs like "Haoma". Documented by al-Biruni, it originated in Sogdia (as Ashnakhanda).
Origin
Sogdia and Transoxiana (documented in al-Biruni's Al-Athar al-Baqiyah)
Historical Context
Given its connection to Amordad (meaning immortality), drinking wine, beer, or the sacred Haoma extract on this day wildly symbolized the pursuit of eternal life and divine health.
Traditions
Preparing Haoma: Pounding sacred plants in a mortar
Communal Drinking: Giving thanks for health and immortality
Dancing: Celebrating the impending end of the heat season
Fun Facts
Iran is one of the world's oldest wine-producing lands; 7,000-year-old wine evidence was found at Hajji Firuz Tepe! Al-Biruni also noted drinking pure extracts during this festival. This likely included the sacred "Haoma", which matches the Hindu "Amreta" (immortality) and the Greek "Ambrosia"!
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