What Makes Persian Weddings and Holidays Special?

In Persian culture, special holidays and celebrations are filled with tradition, family, and joy. Some are national holidays, while others are fun days to enjoy time with loved ones. Let’s learn about important events and how Persian people celebrate them!

The Start of the Persian Year

The Persian New Year begins during the vernal equinox, around March 20th. This is when day and night are the same length. The first day of spring marks the beginning of a new year in Iran. The Persian calendar is different from the one used in many Western countries, and it starts with a very important holiday called Nowruz (New Day), which means New Year’s Day!

Important Holidays in Iran

There are many national holidays throughout the year in Iran. Some of these include:

• Nowruz (March 31) – Persian New Year, full of cleaning, decorating, and gift-giving.
• Sizdah Bedar (April 1) – A day when families go outside and enjoy nature after Nowruz.
• Oil Nationalization Day (March 21) – A day to remember an important event in Iranian history.
• Victory of the Islamic Revolution (April 2) – Celebrates the big changes in 1979.
• Islamic Republic Day (January 20) – A national celebration.
• Religious days such as Ashoura, the Prophet’s Birthday, and others are also important.

In Iran, Friday is the weekly day of rest, and the work week usually goes from Saturday to Wednesday.

Traditional Persian Weddings

Persian weddings are beautiful and full of meaning. The wedding begins with a legal ceremony during the day. After that, the reception can last for 3 to 7 days! Families and friends gather to celebrate, eat, and dance.

One of the most special parts is the wedding spread, which is passed down from mother to daughter. It’s made of soft cloth like satin or silk and decorated with:

• A mirror and candlesticks (for light and brightness)
• Flatbread (for a good life)
• A basket of eggs, decorated nuts, fruit, and rose water
• A bowl of sugar, which is rubbed above the couple’s heads to bring sweetness to their life together

Each item has a special meaning to bring happiness, health, and good luck.

Celebrate and Learn Persian with Dinolingo

Holidays are a fun way to learn about a new language and culture. With Dinolingo, kids can explore Persian through games, videos, songs, and stories. Whether you’re learning about Nowruz or Persian weddings, Dinolingo helps children ages 2–14 enjoy every step. You can learn on the web, iOS, or Android, and even use offline materials. One subscription works for the whole family!