The fifth day of each Iranian thirty-day month and the name of the last month of the year is called Sepandarmz, Espandarmz or Esfand.
The 5th day of every 30 days of the Iranian calendar, and also the last month of the year is named Sepandarmaz, Espandarmaz or Esfand (Spandarmad). Sepandarmaz, this good gift of Ahura Mazda and one of the Amshaspand(s) and eternal spirits with the Avestan name of Spenta Armaiti, is a symbol of patience, modesty, sacrifice, the manifestation of loyalty and love, sincerity, the sign of the woman and the earth, which are both fertile and the creator of life.
O Ahura, who are a symbol of love and gratitude, we now worship this Earth for embracing us. O Ahura Mazda, we worship the women who are your creation and own the best of Asha. (Avesta, Yasna 38 – verse 1)
Living with joy has had high value in the culture and religion of ancient Iran. Celebration and happiness have been the manifestation of the glory of life. From very olden days, on Sepandarmaz day from the month of Esfand, when the name of the day and the month are one, Iranian have celebrated 3 themes of life, i.e., the Earth, fertility and women.
Indeed, the Zoroastrian calendar days are thoughtfully named based o the teachings of this religion. Every Zoroastrian, based on the meaning of the name of each day, will make the best out of each part of the day and will try to act according to its meanings. For example, on Vohuman Day he will not bring any but good thoughts into his mind and will fight against the demon of wrong thoughts. On Ordibehesht day, he will join the force of truth and fight against untruth. On Shahrivar day, he will strengthen his leadership qualities and will fight against weakness. On Sepandarmaz day, he will try to be modest and love others. On Khordad day he will increase his knowledge and gain more experience, and Amordad teaches him maturity and immortality, and so on, until the end of the month.
Every nation should know about its ancestors’ beliefs and culture and try to protect its national unity, religion and culture, customs and celebrations, and do the needful to educate their children and adolescents, the guardians of the future of this land. On 29th of the month of Bahman, esfandgan, the ancient and joyous festival of Iran, is celebrated. It is Esfandgan (Sepandarmaz) and the Earth and soil are in for this day. A new year is approaching, following the old one and time for celebrating, and farmers’ awakening. It is Sepandarmaz, the day to honor women and mothers, life and fertility, and happy tidings for all women with good thoughts and deeds, spreaders of truth, and good culture. Rasti calendar greets the world on the occasion of sepandarmaz day and presents to Iranians and the world a happy music video. Esfandgan is the last monthly festival of the Zoroastrian year 2758 (1399 solar year). In the new year and the new century we hope to strive towards goodness, truthfulness, progress and prosperity. We hope to keep our bodies healthy and strong, and our thoughts wise and dynamic, our conscience alert and awake. May the light of Ahuraian faith and love shine in virtuous, intelligent, innocent, and righteous hearts. Praise be to Ahura Mazda, may health and happiness return to the world.
Rasti calendar with more than 70 years history
In the ancient Iranians’ culture and religion, celebration and joy are one of the manifestations of a good life, and living happily has always been a wish for everybody. The calendar of ancient Iran (Zoroastrians) has 12 months in a year and 30 days in each month, and each day has a unique name. On the other hand, the name of 12 months is also among the names of thirty days. When the name of the 12 months equals the name of the 12 days, Zoroastrians celebrate this equation every month. An example: Spandarmad day from the month of Esfand is a feast called the Esfandgan (Sepandarmazgan), and this feast is the last monthly feast among Zoroastrians. The celebration of Esfandgan is in honor of the pure and divine attribute of Spenta Armaiti or Sepandarmazd. Spenda Armaiti symbolizes faith, sacrifice, modesty, tolerance and loyalty, and is the guardian of the Earth and virtuous women. Since love, selflessness, affection and self-sacrifice are always associated with the names “mother” and “wife”, therefore in ancient Iran, this day was named as women’s day. On this day men give gifts to women. We should be aware that culture is the most critical aspect of life. So, how good would it be to value our traditions, many of which have been copied by other nations and cultures, like Seandarmazd and Valentine. Let us bring love and affection to our families and let men and women appreciate each other’s role and presence.
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