Peykartarashi or Botigan, a day of making clay or dough figurines in human form. These effigies were placed on rooftops and doorways, then burned to drive away evil spirits.
Origin
Ancient Persian ritual for warding off evil
Historical Context
This festival coincided with Dey-be-Mehr (Third Digan). Making and burning effigies was a symbolic ritual for purification and driving away evil forces.
Fun Facts
Researchers believe many clay figurines found in Iranian archaeological excavations are remnants of this ancient ritual. Iranian researcher Ghiasabadi has proposed that Dey 15 become Iran's "Day of Arts and Artists."
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