Tirgan - Water’s Feast

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Lesson Transcript

Culture Class: Holidays in Iran, Season 1, Lesson 24 - Tirgan - Water’s Feast

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 24, Tirgan - Water’s Feast. In Persian, it’s called Tirgaan.

Tirgan-Water’s Feast is another ancient celebration recognized by the Zoroastrians of Iran held during the month of Tir. This day is referred to as Tirgaan or 'the arrow celebration' and is named after Aarash the archer.

In this lesson, we will learn about how the people of Iran celebrate this feast by sprinkling water on one another and performing the Faal-e Koozeh, meaning jug fortune-telling, and Dastband-e Tir o Baad or arrow and wind bracelet.

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

What celestial event is the reason behind the beliefs associated with the Tirgan - Water’s Feast?

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

Tirgaan is held on Tir 13th, or July 4th, according to the western calendar. According to legend, during the war between Iran and Turan, in order to specify the border between the two countries, Sepandarmaz, the goddess of Earth, ordered that an arrow be shot from the north of Iran towards the west, and that wherever the arrow landed would mark the border. And so, Aarash the Archer, Iran's legendary hero, stood on Damavand Mountain, and shot the arrow, or tir in Persian, with all his might. The arrow flew through the sky for hours and finally descended upon a walnut tree, marking the official border between the two countries.

One of the traditions of the Tirgan Feast is Faal-e Koozeh, or jug fortune telling. According to this tradition, a young girl takes a green clay jug called Doleh in hand and fills it with fresh water. Then, everyone makes a wish, in Persian aarezoo, and throws a small item, like a coin, ring, or earring inside. The next day, they gather around the jug and read a poem. The girl takes an object out of the jug, and it is said that the poem that is read becomes the fortune of the owner of the object.

Traditionally, the Tirgan Feast was a day to respect the status of arbiters. This is because the Tir Star is named Kaateb-e Setaaregaan, meaning stars writer, and writers are recognized on this day.

Now it's time to answer our quiz question-

What celestial event is the reason behind the beliefs associated with the Tirgan - Water’s Feast?

The Aapoosh, or red star, hangs in the sky during the summer. But when summer finally passes, this star gradually descends, fading away into the horizon, eventually being replaced by the Tir Star. Since the Tir Star is the only star shining in the sky at the start of the rainy season, it is likened to the rain star, and the red star to the drought demon.