Nature Day marking the end of Nowruz holidays. Families picnic outdoors, tie sabzeh (greens), and enjoy communal games.
Origin
Continuation of Nowruz rituals
Historical Context
Sizdah Bedar falls on the thirteenth day of Farvardin, marking the end of the Nowruz period. 'Bedar' means going out. This day celebrates the connection with nature as families head to meadows and countryside. The sabzeh (sprouts) from Haft-Seen, symbolizing nature's renewal, is released into running water. Beliefs about thirteen being unlucky likely came from other cultures and are not originally Iranian.
Traditions
Picnicking in Nature: Families go to parks and meadows
Tying Sabzeh: Young girls tie sabzeh knots wishing for a spouse
Throwing Sabzeh in Running Water: Releasing Haft-Seen sprouts in rivers
Group Games: Tug-of-war, ball games, badminton
Sizdah Lies: Telling harmless lies (like April Fools)
Eating Lettuce with Sekanjabin: Traditional combination for this day
Symbols & Meanings
Sabzeh: Symbol of evils and problems to be released
Knot: Symbol of wish and bond
Running Water: Symbol of release and purification
Green Nature: Symbol of life and renewal
Number Thirteen: Symbol of end of Nowruz period
Play and Joy: Symbol of hope and happiness
Traditional Foods
Lettuce and Sekanjabin: Traditional Sizdah Bedar combination
Ash Reshteh: Traditional soup for this day
Koobideh Kebab: Popular picnic food
Joojeh Kebab: Chicken kebab outdoors
Shirazi Salad: Fresh summer salad
Bread, Cheese, and Herbs: Simple outdoor fare
Spring Fruits: Strawberries and cherries
Greetings
Happy Sizdah Bedar
Happy Nature Day
Wishing you a year full of joy
Fun Facts
Young girls tying sabzeh (greens) is a symbolic wish for marriage in the new year! Ancient belief held that sabzeh absorbs the year's negativity and must be returned to flowing water. Iran likely hosts the world's largest annual picnic on this day!
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.
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.
Soroush Rooz
Day honoring Sraosha (Soroush), the Yazata of conscience and messenger of Ahura Mazda. Sraosha guards souls at night and is one of three judges at the Chinvat Bridge, uniquely accompanying souls on their journey to the afterlife.