TEHRAN - Before Valentines Day, there was Sepandarmazgan, an occasion dedicated to treasuring women and love.Sepandarmazgan, also referred to as Esfandegan, is still celebrated each year on the 5th of Esfand (which falls on February 23 this year).
Originally, it honors Spenta Armaiti, a divine figure in Zoroastrianism associated with devotion and the earth.Dating back to the Achaemenid era, Sepandarmazgan was a day to express gratitude to females, particularly wives, and mothers, with men using presents as tokens of gratitude.
According to medieval historians such as Al-Biruni, Gardizi, and Masudi, this celebration was commonly observed, with ladies resting from daily work while males took on their obligations and presented them with gifts.Although Sepandarmazgan was when a widely treasured celebration, its prominence has actually reduced gradually.
However, in recent years, efforts have been made to restore this ancient Persian tradition as a cultural alternative to Valentines Day.
With Western affects growing, some advocates of Iranian heritage motivate commemorating Sepandarmazgan as an authentic expression of Persian love and gratitude for women.In its historic context, the celebration involved feasting, exchanging of presents, and communal gatherings.
Typical foods included raisins and pomegranate seeds, which signified success and love.
Today, while the celebration is not as extensively practiced, some Iranians look for to restore its significance, reminding individuals of its deep historical roots.As awareness grows, numerous intend to see this ancient celebration reclaim its place as a meaningful day of love and gratitude in Persian culture.AM