Persian Life for Kids: Fun, Learning, and Traditions

Iran, formerly known as Persia, is a country rich in history, tradition, and vibrant culture. From the exciting games children play to the delicious meals they enjoy with their families, Persian culture offers endless opportunities to learn and explore. Let’s take a closer look at the fun and fascinating aspects of life in Iran that kids around the world can enjoy.

Traditional Games and Sports

Soccer is the most popular sport for children in Iran. Boys and girls enjoy kicking the ball around in parks, schools, and open fields. While professional teams are usually made up of men, kids of all ages play the game for fun and excitement.

In wealthier families, children might take part in horseback riding or play traditional recreational games. Theatre-based games and cultural sports are also popular in some communities. As with many places around the world, children today are spending more time on screens, but outdoor games remain an important part of Persian childhood.

Delicious Persian Meals

A traditional Persian meal usually includes three main components: rice (chelow), grilled meats (kabobs), and stew (khoresh). Kabobs are made with meats, onions, fruits, and nuts, while the rice may be plain saffron or beautifully jeweled with colorful dried fruits and nuts.

Khoresh, the Persian stew, is slow-cooked and rich with flavors. It can include chicken, beef, or even vegetarian ingredients like lentils, spinach, zucchini, and peas.

Simple Persian Recipes to Try

Tabouli: A fresh salad with bulgur, mint, parsley, tomatoes, and lemon.

Arabic Yogurt Soup: A light, creamy soup made with rice, beef broth, mint, and yogurt.

Baked Walnut Omelette: A savory egg dish mixed with walnuts and chives.

Kateh Rice Cake: Crispy rice cake served warm or cold, often with stews.

Praline Cream: A sweet dessert with almonds, cream, and buttery filling.

Persian Melon Salad: A fruity mix of melons, pineapple, mint, and ginger.

Children’s Day in Iran

October 7 is Children’s Day in Iran. On this special day, kids are celebrated with cartoons, art projects, and festive events. Communities come together to show appreciation for children through murals, crafts, and joyful celebrations focused on health and happiness.

Fun Facts About Persia

• Persia was the official name of Iran until 1935.
• Persian is still spoken in Tajikistan and Afghanistan.
• Iran is home to one of the world’s oldest civilizations, dating back to 4000 BC.
• Ancient Persia built the earliest known windmills.
• Iran is home to the rare Asiatic cheetah.

Customs and Etiquette

Iranian people are known for being polite and modest. They often downplay their achievements to appear humble. Public behavior is reserved, but within their homes, they feel free to express themselves.

Family is very important, and people take their responsibilities seriously. Greetings are typically gender-specific, with men and women socializing separately. A common greeting is “salaam” which means peace.

Famous Places to Visit

Ali Qapu Palace: A beautiful five-story palace with wooden columns and scenic views.

Kish Island Beach: White sand and coral reefs make this a perfect family getaway.

Persepolis: A UNESCO World Heritage site built in 518 B.C., where children can explore ancient ruins and learn about Persian kings.

Festivals and Celebrations

Nowruz: Persian New Year begins on March 21 and lasts 13 days. Families cook special dishes, give gifts, and celebrate with music and dancing.

Sepandarmazgan: Celebrated on February 18, this Day of Love and Friendship includes sunflower seeds and raisins.

Chaharshanbeh Soori: The Fire Festival is held on the last Tuesday of the year. People jump over fires, wear costumes, and celebrate the triumph of light over darkness.

Music and Instruments

Daf: A large frame drum used in Sufi ceremonies and folk music.

Dotar: A two-stringed instrument from the lute family.

Nay: A reed flute with a long history in Persian classical music.

Persian classical music was once reserved for royalty, but today it’s enjoyed widely. Folk and pop music are also beloved, especially among younger generations in Iran and the Iranian diaspora around the world.

Learn Persian the Fun Way

Children can now learn Persian in fun and interactive ways through Dinolingo. With engaging videos, games, and flashcards, kids can explore Persian words and culture at their own pace. Dinolingo supports learning for children aged 2 to 14 and is available on web, iOS, and Android. Offline materials and a parent dashboard are also included in one flexible subscription.