During the Sassanids, people celebrated Nowruz with joy and rest, and the great Nowruz was one of the many celebrations of ancient Iran, especially in that period. In a series of articles, the Ferdowsi Foundation of the Toos Branch has reviewed the celebration of Nowruz in different historical periods and has written about the Sassanid period:
Sassanid ceremonies and traditions during Nowruz for the public: According to Dr Khodadadian, an expert in ancient history, among the customs that were followed in the first 5 days of Nowruz (Nowruz for the public) during the Sassanid period were: special treatment for military staff and the animals, and taking care of their needs. Also prisoners were released and criminals were pardoned.
On Nowruz, Anoushirvan and the other kings rewarded those who were victorious in war, and offered gifts and prizes to exemplary farmers and ranchers. In this celebration all those who worked would cease working and take rest and rejoice.
On Nowruz, there was a custom in the court that the lords took the role of the servants, and vice versa. During this great celebration, petitions, litigation, giving an audience by the king, and giving out gifts were important and were performed in ceremony. In another book about Nowruz for the public and greater Nowruz, this Foundation writes:
Nowruz for the public: The first 5 days of Nowruz had a public aspect to it, and all the people would rejoice and perform their ceremonies. For this reason it is called Nowruz for the public or the minor Nowruz. The greater Nowruz was the name of the 6th day of Farvardin in the Avestan calendar. This day had special importance and sanctity among the many celebrations of ancient Iran, especially during the Sassanid era.
Many events are attributed to Khordad Day, such as the birth of Ashu Zarathushtra and also his election as messenger, the birthday of Siavash in the Sogdian and Kharazm calendars (according to Zoroastrian mythology Khordad Day is the day when the revenge of Siavash is taken). It is a day for pray and thanking Rapitvan (Rapitvan Izad, the deity for summer) according to Zoroasrian beliefs, the reptile enters the underground world at the beginning of winter, and its task is to fight the cold demon and help the groundwater springs keep the plants’ roots warm so that the roots do not dry out due to the severe winter cold. The annual return of the Repton in the spring marks the final victory of good over evil, heat over cold, and light over darkness. The god Rapitvan sets the stage for spring blooms. For this reason, on the occasion of his coming to earth, special prayers are performed along with Nowruz ceremonies.
