Sepandarmazgan or Esfandgan, the original date of this festival in the Zoroastrian calendar: the 5th day of Esfand (Spandarmad) month, a day-month name coincidence. This festival honors Spenta Armaiti (guardian of earth and symbol of devotion), is the Iranian day of love, and celebrates women, earth, and mothers. Also known as: Barzgaran (Farmers' Festival), Mozhdeghiran, Mardgiran.
Origin
Zoroastrian; Day-month name coincidence of Sepandarmaz - Documented by Biruni, Gardizi, Mas'udi
Historical Context
Sepandarmazgan is a name-day feast celebrated on the 5th of Spandarmad (Esfand) month. Earth is sacred in Zoroastrianism, and farmers refrained from plowing on this day. In 1962, scholar Pourdavoud proposed Esfand 5 become 'Nurse's Day.' Today this day is revived as the 'Iranian Day of Love' and an alternative to Valentine's Day.
Traditions
Honoring Earth: Refraining from plowing and harming the earth
Gift Giving: Men gave gifts to women
Women exempted from housework
Ash-e Esfandi herb soup
Eating raisins and pomegranate seeds
Prayers: Reciting special prayers for the earth
Symbols & Meanings
Earth: Symbol of Spenta Armaiti Amesha Spenta
Flowers and Plants: Symbol of earth fertility
Green Color: Symbol of nature and earth
Fun Facts
Spenta Armaiti means 'holy devotion' and is the only female Amesha Spenta, guarding the earth. Biruni wrote this was a special feast for women, when men gave them gifts. This custom still flourished in Isfahan, Ray, and Fahla (Kermanshah). 'Mardgiran' means the day women received gifts from men. 'Barzgar' means 'one who makes the earth green.' Why two dates? In the original Zoroastrian calendar, each month had 30 days with named days. Sepandarmazgan was on the 5th day (Spandarmad-day) of the 12th month (Spandarmad-month) - this is the original date. But the current Solar calendar has a different structure, so Bahman 29 was proposed as an approximate equivalent.
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