Iranian Festivals
All Iranian festivals revolve around gathering together, reciting poetry, dancing, and expressing joy, and all of these convey the message of “peace and friendship,” since no one brandishes a sword or acts harshly in these celebrations. Iranian sages have also said: “Always speak with praise and do not let your tongue utter bitterness or harshness.” Some of the most important Iranian festivals include Mehregan, Yalda, followed by Sadeh, then Chaharshanbe Suri—which serves as the gateway to Nowruz—and afterward Farvardegan and Nowruz, the festival of festivals, and then Sizdah Bedar, the celebration of Earth, time, and sky.
From Greece to ancient Iran, thinkers have shared the belief that life should be filled with joy, because joy brings with it health, contentment, satisfaction, and love for the future. To make health eternal in our body and soul, we must pay attention to good nutrition, adequate sleep, love, and happiness. These elements are so aligned with each other that they resemble branches of a tree growing in the human forest, under whose shade we seek peace, comfort, and satisfaction. Joy is the flame of life, and when we lose it, the lamp of life is extinguished.
Even according to modern science, anxiety, stress, and internal disturbances diminish this joy, satisfaction, and health. Doctors believe that sadness and grief weaken the body’s defenses against adversities, diseases, microbes, and infections. Only a positive mindset, enthusiasm, and hope for recovery can stand like a disciplined army against dangerous diseases and act as a strong barrier, preventing illness, distress, suffering, and self-reproach.
Today, scientists say that psychosomatic illnesses are the cause of many physical ailments, such as stomach ulcers, cancer, premature aging, and untimely death. In a state of mental or emotional imbalance, adrenal hormones, steroids, and corticoids attack white blood cells. In such conditions, the body’s defense system cannot function properly. When white blood cells lose their ability to fight disease, the immune system weakens. Anxiety and stress also cause shrinkage of the thymus gland, triggering adrenal activity, which can lead to infections and illnesses, ultimately reducing human lifespan.
Therefore, every person must pay attention not only to physical health but also to mental well-being, removing stress and inviting calm, joy, and satisfaction into the mind. Living requires positive emotions and happiness, and the key to this resides in the house of festivals, which provides us with peace, enthusiasm, optimism, and fills our basket with health, contentment, and love for each other.
Iranians believed that to overcome evil forces, one must possess a strong body and spirit. Iranian festivals have always been full of joy and dancing, and this happiness itself rejuvenates the body and soul, granting health to the participants.
The customs and traditions of any nation reflect its spirit and thought. Iranian traditions are full of spirituality and humanism and have fostered national solidarity, strengthening collective spirit and unity. Iranian culture aims to create a society full of joy, health, and justice, free from sorrow, lethargy, and stagnation. In Iranian festivals, solidarity and connection abound, and people of all ethnicities and beliefs come together in celebration and revelry.
The remarkable fact is that our ancestors, through these customs and traditions, transmitted beliefs and concepts from generation to generation—principles now confirmed by modern science and positive psychology. Positive emotions and personal strengths, discussed by Martin Seligman, the father of positive psychology, are evident throughout these festivals. These celebrations speak to us in a humanistic and spiritual language, guiding us toward peace and a healthier, better life.
Let us remember that these ancient rituals and festivals are intertwined with our civilization, thought, and culture. Honoring these traditions helps us preserve the rich and noble culture of Iran and its high values. Ancient rituals are the roots of our culture and civilization. If a branch of a tree is broken or its flowers, leaves, or fruits are harvested, it can grow again; but if its roots dry up, there is no hope for its continued life.
Therefore, it is our duty to maintain authentic Iranian traditions, founded on knowledge, spirituality, and humanity, and to cherish our festivals and beliefs, which grant us a life filled with love, kindness, and joy. Through this, we can avoid a loss of identity, remain Iranian, and embrace our heritage. The first step in cultivating culture is understanding it. Let us explore authentic Iranian festivals, understand their philosophy, and learn life lessons from their valuable teachings. Join us on the path of peace, friendship, joy, and love, and discover the festivals and celebrations that form the spiritual heritage of Iran and Iranians.
