Mother's Day

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Lesson Transcript

Culture Class: Holidays in Iran, Season 1, Lesson 12 - Mother's Day

Hello, and welcome to the Culture Class- Holidays in Iran Series at PersianPod101.com. In this series, we’re exploring the traditions behind Iranian holidays and observances. I’m Eric, and you're listening to Season 1, Lesson 12, Mother's Day. In Persian, it’s called Rooz-e Maadar.

Mother's Day is recognized all over the world in celebration of the great sacrifices made by mothers. Nowadays in Iran, the 20th of Jamaadi-yo-ssaani on the lunar calendar is celebrated as Mother's Day in honor of the well-known mother of Islam, Faatemeye Zahraa. Because the date belongs to the lunar calendar, this day falls on a different date every year according to the Gregorian calendar.

In this lesson we will learn about how on Mother's Day in Iran, children and men give their moms, or in Persian maadaraan, and wives, gifts to show their gratitude.

Now, before we get into more detail, do you know the answer to this question-

Can you name the most well-known Izad Banovaan, or goddesses of ancient Iran?

If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep listening.

Mother's Day in contemporary Iran is held to celebrate the anniversary of the birth of Hazrat-e Faatemeye Zahraa. As one of the greatest women in the history of Islam, Hazrat-e Faatemeye Zahraa was the mother of Imam Hassan and Hossein, and is widely regarded as a symbol of purity, faith, and virtue. Prior to the victory of the Islamic Revolution in Iran, during the Pahlavi regime, Mother’s Day was recognized on a different day, falling on Azar 25, the birthday of Farideh Diba, Shah’s wife’s mother. After the revolution, the day was changed in order to avoid provoking further tension.

Still, Mother's Day in modern Iran has roots in the country’s ancient history. During the Zoroastrian period, this day was recognized on the 5th of Esfand on the solar calendar, which was called Esfandegan. It is said that this day was known as a symbol of the earth and its productivity, and thus, it was chosen as Mother's Day, or Women's Day. On this day, men gave their wives gifts, in Persian hedye , to show their gratitude.

On Mother's Day in contemporary Iran, many activities are held to commemorate mothers. Most children give their mothers flowers, or gol as gifts. Sometimes, men and children give their wives and mothers jewelry, or javaaher aallaat, such as earrings or necklaces. In any case, each family has its own method of showing mothers gratitude on this day. Some families treat their mothers to dinner at a restaurant, while others call their mothers on the phone or send a postcard to show their affection. What is certain is that all involve a display of gratitude toward mothers.

Now it's time to answer our quiz question-

Can you name the most well-known Izad Banovaan or goddesses of ancient Iran?

Mithra was known as the goddess of compassion, or the Sun. Anahita and Nahid were the goddesses of rain and currents.