Sepandar Mozhgan in Iran
Aryan Love Day or Sepandar Mozhgan is an important celebration in the ancient Iranian culture that is dedicated to promoting human values and respect for women and the earth. This day, also known as Esfandang, is equivalent to Valentine’s Day. with the difference that it has an older history and is only celebrated in Iranian culture. سپندارمذگان is manifested as a holy day among Zoroastrians and other religions of ancient Iran. On this day, the spiritual forces of love, affection and intimacy are honored and devotion, love and cohesion in human relationships are strengthened. Couples respect each other on Iranian love day and express their love in different ways. Abu Rihan al-Biruni mentioned in his book “Atar al-Baqiyya” that Iranians used to celebrate the fifth day of Esfand as a commemoration of Women and Earth Day.
The structure and terminology of Sepandarmazgan
Iranian and Aryan love day, or Sepandarmozgan (Spandarmozgan), which is also known by other names such as Sepandangan or Esfandangan, is one of the important celebrations in ancient Iranian culture. The Persian word “Esfand” is derived from the Pahlavi word “Spandarmat” and the Avestan word “SpentaArmaiti”. Sepandeh Armiti is originally the name of one of the Zoroastrian goddesses who is the guardian of the green earth and is responsible for preserving and maintaining the earth and the proper utilization of its resources. As one of the important and respected goddesses in ancient Iranian beliefs, she is respected and honored during various celebrations and ceremonies, especially Sepandar Mozgan.
On the other hand, in the ancient Iranian calendar, in addition to the months having names, each day of the month also had its own name. For example, the first day of each month was called “Urmazd”, the 16th day was called “Mehr” and the fifth day was called “Spandarmazd”. Sepandarmaz is another name of the Zoroastrian goddess and also the national title of the earth, which means expander, holy and humble. Because of its humility and generosity, the earth gives life to all creatures and is known as a representative of maternal affection and affection; It is also considered a representative of fertility and birth in ancient Iranian culture. Since the day of love, according to the Zoroastrian calendar, was celebrated on the 5th of March (Spandarmaz), it was called Sepandarmazgan and was recognized as a day to honor women and the earth.
What is the exact date of Iranian love day?
Sepandarmozgan is an ancient and holy festival whose roots go back to the Achaemenid rule. As explained before, this celebration was held on the fifth day of March every year due to the name “Spandarmaz”. However, there are currently differences of opinion about the exact date of this ancient ceremony. Today, in the new Iranian calendar, Sepandar Mozhgan has been moved to the 29th day of Bahman. The date of Sepandar Mozgan celebration has changed to 29th of Bahman in the new Iranian calendar, due to the change in the time structure and the increase in the number of days in the first 6 months of the year. In ancient times, all the months of the year had 30 days, and in old sources such as the book “Atar al-Baqiyya” by Abu Rihan Al-Biruni, which was written in 391 AH, it is stated that this celebration is held on the fifth day of March. On the other hand, some believe that due to the change in the structure of the calendar during the time of Khayyam who lived after Abu Rihan Biruni and the first six months of the year became 31 days in the Iranian calendar, it is necessary to update the original date mentioned in the old sources. and hold the celebration on the 29th of Bahman. The main purpose of this change is to harmonize more with the solar calendar and adapt the calendar to the new time conditions. However, most of the researchers determine the correct date of holding this festival on March 5 and according to the Yazdgardi calendar, and they believe that the new changes in moving it to Bahman 29 are incorrect.
When does the history of Sepandarmazgan go back?
The exact date of Sepandarmaz celebration is not known and there are different theories about this. But some experts have attributed this ancient celebration to the Achaemenid era. In general, Sepandarmazgan is considered one of the sacred festivals in ancient Iranian beliefs and is held in order to celebrate and glorify the goddess of the earth, namely Sepante Armiti (Spandarmaz). With the advent of Zoroastrianism and its followers, this celebration, which meant a rethinking of the relationship with nature, as well as mothers and wives, became more respected. Sepandar Mozhgan is one of the five major festivals in the Zoroastrian calendar, along with other festivals such as Nowruz, Mehrgan, Sizdeh Badr and Gahanbar of the Middle Ages. Now and in the modern era, Sepandar Mozgan festival is still celebrated by some Iranians and followers of Zoroastrianism in Iran and other parts of the world including Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, India and rarely in other countries.
Gifts suitable for Sepandar Mozhgan Day
Flower
doll
Chocolate
greeting card
Jewellery
Poetry book
Dress