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Archive for the 'Iranian Culture' Category

Iran Holidays: Martyrdom of Imam Reza in Iran

Martyrdom of Imam Reza

Each year, Shia Muslims remember and mourn the Martyrdom of Imam Reza in Iran. This was a great tragedy for Shia Muslims of the time, and the effects of Imam Reza’s death are still felt today.

In this article, you’ll learn a little about the history behind Imam Reza’s Martyrdom Anniversary, and how it affects Iranian culture today.

At PersianPod101.com, we aim to make every aspect of your language-learning journey both fun and informative. Let’s get started!

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1. What is Imam Reza’s Martyrdom Anniversary?

On the anniversary of Imam Reza’s martyrdom, Shia Muslims deeply mourn the death and supposed murder of Imam Reza, also known as Ali Alridha.

Serving as the eighth Shia Imam from 799 A.D. to 818 A.D., following the death of his father, Imam Reza held great influence over the Abbasid Empire. So much, in fact, that he was due to take on the position of the new Caliph, replacing the current Caliph of the time.

But this current Caliph felt uncomfortable and even threatened by Imam Reza’s influence and power within the society. Many Shia Muslims today hold that this fear drove him to murder Imam Reza via poison.

Imam Reza’s murder took place in the midst of a time of hardship for Shia Muslims. Shiite revolts were rampant, and Imam Reza’s position as the new Caliph was meant to help assuage and put a stop to these problems. Unfortunately, Imam Reza didn’t live to fulfill this goal, and each year, the Shia Muslims in Iran mourn this.

2. When is the Imam Reza Martyrdom Anniversary?

The Eight Imam

The date of the Martyrdom of Imam Reza commemoration varies each year on the Gregorian calendar, taking place on the twenty-ninth or thirtieth day of the Islamic month of Safar. For your convenience, here’s a list of this holiday’s date for the next ten years:

  • 2019: October 29
  • 2020: October 17
  • 2021: October 7
  • 2022: September 26
  • 2023: September 15
  • 2024: September 4
  • 2025: August 24
  • 2026: August 14
  • 2027: August 3
  • 2028: July 22

3. Traditions for the Anniversary of Imam Reza’s Martyrdom

haroon

As mentioned earlier, the anniversary of the Martyrdom of Imam Reza is a day of mourning.

In general, Shia Muslims tend to visit the shrine of Imam Reza in Mashhad on this day. The Imam Reza shrine is one of the most significant sites in Iran, and it’s common to find many people here in honor of Imam Reza.

4. Mashhad

Mashhad is the city in which Imam Reza was buried after his death. At the time, this city was just a village inside Khorasan Province; it was named Mashhad to reflect the man buried there, and the tragedy that caused his death. Mashhad translates to “the place of martyrdom.”

Because the shrine of Imam Reza is located here, Mashhad has become a massive tourist destination. While Shia Muslims visit this shrine by the millions as part of their mourning, it’s not uncommon to find travelers and tourists visiting this city as well.

There are a few more fascinating things about Mashhad that draw much tourist attraction:

  • It holds the tomb of Ferdowsi, a poet.
  • It’s the main hub of leather production in Iran.
  • It’s home to the “Charm Mashhad” company.

5. Vocabulary to Know for the Martyrdom of Imam Reza

Succession

Here’s some Persian vocabulary you should know for the commemoration of the Martyrdom of Imam Reza:

  • امام هشتم (emaam-e hashtom) — The eighth Imam
  • اهل بيت (ahl-e beit) — Ahlolbeit
  • هارون (haaroon) — Haroon
  • مأمون (ma’moon) — Mamoon
  • خاندان عبّاسى (khaandaan-e abbasi) — Abbasi family
  • امام رضا (emaam rezaa) — Imam Reza
  • خلافت (khelaafat) — Caliphate
  • ولايتعهدى (velaayat-e ahdi) — Succession

To hear each of these vocabulary words pronounced, and to read them alongside relevant images for enhanced comprehension, be sure to visit our Martyrdom of Imam Reza word list!

Final Thoughts

The death of the eighth Shia Imam, Ali Alridha, is considered a tragedy by Shia Muslims. The day on which they mourn and commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Reza is one of the most significant holidays in Iran.

What are your thoughts on this day of commemoration and the history behind it? Does your country have a special day to mourn or remember the death of a beloved figure? Let us know in the comments!

Learning about the history and culture of a country may be one of the most fascinating and enriching aspects of mastering its language. If you’re interested in learning more cultural information about Iran, you may want to check out the following pages on PersianPod101.com:

At PersianPod101.com, it’s our goal to make language-learning simple and as painless as possible. We provide tons of free lessons, vocabulary lists, and blog posts on both Iranian culture and the Persian language. Get started by creating a free lifetime account today!

Happy Persian learning!

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What is Nowruz? Celebrate the Persian New Year!

The first day of spring for Iranians is the beginning of nature’s cycle, the ending of the current year to start the new one. This is the time when day and night are equal, nature has passed through the cold weather, and moderate weather begins.

The ground wakes from winter sleep, and restarts life and movement again.

Nowruz feast, which is one of the oldest existing customs of the world, has seen some small changes during its history, but still remains and has always been important as a national ritual. Thus, learning about Nowruz traditions and other facts about Nowruz in Iran is vital to understanding the country’s rich culture.

At PersianPod101.com, we hope to make this culture delving both fun and enlightening. So let’s get started!

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1. What is Persian New Year?

Persian New Year (also called Nowruz), is the Persian celebration of the coming of spring. It’s a day full of family and festivities, and is, of course, dripping with tradition. There are many Persian New Year traditions that are observed each year, from Nowruz foods to Persian New Year gifts. And of course, Persian New Year greetings.

2. When is Nowruz?

Clock Indicating Midnight

The date of Persian New Year is fascinating, as it takes place on the vernal equinox, marking the beginning of spring. Typically, celebrations take place on March 21, but sometimes it’s celebrated on March 20 or March 22 instead.

3. How is Nowruz Celebrated?

Drummers in a Parade

So, how is Nowruz celebrated? Read the Persian text below to find out (you can find the English translation directly below it).

—–

فعالیت های نوروزی در واقع مدتها پیش از عید آغاز می شوند. یکی از این فعالیت ها «خانه تکانی» است که با نزدیک شدن به سال جدید٬ شور و شوق آن در میان مردم اوج می گیرد. در هر خانه ای اعضای خانواده شروع به نظافت٬ شست و شو٬ و مرتب کردن اطراف محل زندگی خود می شوند٬ تا برای شب عید ظاهری تمیز و آراسته داشته باشد. به این اعمال «خانه تکانی» گفته می شود که به معنی تکاندن و زدودن گرد و غبار از خانه می باشد. سپس همگی با پوشیدن لباس های نو و یا تر و تمیز به انتظار تحویل سال جدید می نشینند.

با شنیدن اسم نوروز به یاد سفرهٔ هفت سین می افتیم. سفرهٔ هفت سین عبارت است از مجموعه ای از اشیاء و خوردنی هایی که روی میز یا پارچه ای می چینند و همگی با حرف «سین» از الفبای فارسی شروع می شوند. این اشیاء که هر کدام نشانگر مفاهیم خاصی مانند خیر و برکت هستند معمولاً عبارت اند از- سنجد٬ سیب٬ سبزه٬ سمنو٬ سیر٬ سرکه٬ سماق٬ و سکه. آینه٬ شمع، ماهی قرمز، تخم مرغ رنگی و کتاب دیوان حافظ نیز از دیگر تزئینات سفرهٔ هفت سین می باشند. اعضای خانواده دور این سفره جمع شده عید را به یکدیگر تبریک می گوید و افراد مسن تر به جوان تر ها به عنوان عیدی اسکناس هدیه می دهند.

از مهمترین رسومی که از ایام قدیم برای نوروز به جا مانده است٬ رفتن به «عید دیدنی» است. در این ایام٬ مردم به خانهٔ اقوام٬ دوستان و آشنایان خود می روند٬ از مهمانان خود نیز با شیرینی و آجیل و میوه پذیرایی می کنند و ساعات خوشی را در کنار هم سپری می کنند. همچنین سفر به شهر های مختلف و رفتن به دامن طبیعت نیز از عادات دلپذیر مردم ایران در عید نوروز می باشد. بدین ترتیب مردم خود را برای سالی جدید، سرشار از کار و فعالیت ، شادی و موفقیت آماده می کنند.

آیا می دانستید که برای نوروز نیز شخصیتی شبیه به بابا نوئل وجود دارد با نام «عمو نوروز»؟ او نیز پیرمرد ریش دار مهربانی است که آمدن سال نو را به مردم خبر می دهد. شخصیت دیگری نیز با نام «حاجی فیروز» با چهرهٔ سیاه شده و لباس های قرمز و طبل کوچکی در دست در خیابان ها به رقص و آواز و شیرین کاری پرداخته مردم را سرگرم می کند.

—–

Nowruz activities, in fact, begin several days before the Eid. One of these activities is spring cleaning. As the new year approaches, happiness and enthusiasm fill the heart of people. In each house, family members begin to clean, wash, and tidy around their living areas to have a clean and tidy appearance for the Eid. These activities are called “Khane Tekani,” which literally means shaking out or removing of dust from their house. Then, all family members put on their new or clean clothes and wait for the beginning of the New Year.

When we hear Nowruz, we remember Sofre-ye Haft-Seen. Sofre-ye Haft-Seen includes a series of objects and food they set on the table or a piece of cloth, whose names begin with the sound “s” in Persian. These objects, which represent such concepts as goodness and blessings, usually include: Senjed (dried oleaster wild olive fruit), Sib (apple), Sabze (sprouts from green plants), Samanoo (sweet pudding), Sir (garlic), Serke (vinegar), Somaq (sumac), and Sekke (a coin). A mirror, candle, goldfish, colored eggs, and collection of Hafez poems are among the other decorations on Sofre-ye Haft-Seen. Family members gather around this cloth, congratulating each other on the Eid, and the older members give the younger ones paper money as New Year gifts.

One of the most important traditions that still remains from ancient times is eid didani. On these days, people visit relatives, friends, and acquaintances, receiving their guests by giving them candies, dried nuts, and fruit. They spend happy hours together. Making a trip to various towns and spending time in nature are among popular activities with Iranians on Nowruz. This way, people prepare themselves for a year full of work, activity, jubilation, and success.

Did you know that there is a character like Santa Claus for Nowruz called “Amu Nowruz” (Uncle Nowruz)? He is also a kind white bearded old man who announces the coming New Year to people. There is also another character called “Haji Firouz” with a black face and red clothes, who takes a small drum on the streets and dances, sings, and does funny things to amuse people.

4. Additional Information

The first Nowruz food eaten in the New Year is commonly “Sabzi Polo ba Maahi.” The hope for the greenness and productivity of nature, the bounty of rice, the active movements of the fish, and the symbol of appreciating the bounties of God in the New Year are some reasons for this dish’s popularity.

5. Must-know Vocab

New Year Fireworks

Here’s some vocabulary you should know for the Persian New Year!

  • سال (saal) — year
  • نیمه شب (nime shab) — midnight
  • روز آغاز سال نو (rooz-e aaqaaz-e saal-e no) — New Year’s Day
  • میهمانی (mihmaani) — party
  • شامپاین (shaampaayn) — champagne
  • آتش بازى (aatash baazi) — firework
  • رقص (raqs) — dancing
  • جشن (jashn) — celebration
  • به سلامتی (be salaamati) — toast
  • شب سال نو (shab-e saal-e no) — New Year’s Eve
  • شمارش معکوس (shomaaresh-e ma’koos) — countdown
  • تصمیم (tasmim) — resolution
  • تعطیلات سال نو (ta’tilaat-e saal-e no) — New Year’s Holiday
  • کاغذ رنگی (kaaqaz rangi) — confetti
  • رژه (rezhe) — parade
  • To hear each vocabulary word pronounced, check out our Persian New Year vocabulary list. Here, you’ll find each word accompanied by an audio of its pronunciation.

    Conclusion

    Now you know about Nowruz, the Persian New Year celebration. Does your country celebrate the New Year similarly to Iran, or are celebrations in your country different? Let us know in the comments!

    To learn more about the Persian language and culture, visit us at PersianPod101.com. We offer an array of insightful blog posts as well as free vocabulary lists. You can also upgrade your account to begin using our MyTeacher program for a one-on-one learning experience with your own personal Persian teacher!

    Know that your hard work will soon reap benefits, and you’ll be speaking Persian like a native before you know it. In the meantime, reward your efforts with a nice glass of shaampaayn. 😉

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    6 Reasons to Learn a Language Before You Travel

    6 Reasons to Learn a Language Before You Travel

    There are plenty of destinations where you can get by with English, but sometimes you want to do better than just ‘get by’. Here are 6 reasons you should learn the basics of the language of your next trip destination.

    What are the 6 reasons you should learn the basics of the language of your next trip destination?

    1. You will be able to discover your destination better than other tourists.
    Getting by is one thing, but actually experiencing a trip abroad is quite another. No amount of guidebooks and online research can compensate for a basic lack of language ability. Speaking the language of your destination permits you to explore that destination beyond the regular tourist traps. Your language skills will not only allow you to dig into all the hidden gems of your destination, but they will also allow you to mingle with the locals to get a true experience on your holiday. Think of it this way: you’re not restricted to talking to the people at the tourist desk anymore.

    2. Knowing how to communicate with local police or medical personnel can be life-saving.
    Before you leave for your destination, make sure you learn how to ask for help in that destination’s local tongue. Do you know how to ask the waiter if this dish has peanuts in it? Or tell your host family that you’re allergic to fish? Can you tell the local doctor where it hurts? Moreover, an awareness of an environment improves your chance of remaining safe inside it. For example, walking around a busy marketplace, dazzled by an unfamiliar language, signs and accents will instantly render any tourist a more attractive mark for pickpockets. Communicating with other people, asking questions and looking confident will make you look like a semi-local yourself, and will ward off potential thieves.

    Click here for Persian Survival Phrases that will help you in almost every situation

    3. It helps you relax.
    Traveling is much less stressful when you understand what that announcement at the airport was saying, or if this bus line reaches your hotel. These things stress you out when traveling and they disappear when you understand the language. This allows you to focus on planning your trip in a better, easier way.

    Speaking the language can provide you with a way to get to know people you’d never otherwise have the opportunity to speak with.

    4. Speaking the language can provide you with a way to get to know people you’d never otherwise have the opportunity to speak with.
    Sometimes those relationships turn into friendships, and other times they’re nothing more than a lively conversation. Either way, as Nelson Mandela said: “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.” When you approach someone – even staff at a store or restaurant – with English, rather than their own language, an invisible divide has already been erected. Making even a small effort to communicate in the language of the place you’re visiting can go a long way and you’ll find many more doors open up to you as a result.

    Click here for essential Persian vocabulary you need to know to start a conversation with anyone

    If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.

    5. You’ll be a better ambassador for your country.
    If we’re honest with ourselves, we know very little about other countries and cultures, especially the local politics. And what we do know is often filtered to us by the media, which tends to represent only certain interests. When you can speak the local language, you’re able to answer questions that curious locals have about your country and culture. Are you frustrated with how your country is presented in global news? Are you embarrassed by your country’s leaders and want to make it clear that not everyone is like that where you’re from? This is a very good opportunity to share your story with people who have no one else to ask. We all have a responsibility to be representatives of the place we come from.

    6. Learning another language can fend off Alzheimer’s, keep your brain healthy and generally make you smarter.
    For more information, check out this blog post about the 5 Benefits of Learning a New Language.