Mehregan: The Iranian celebration of Mehr

Among all Iranian festivities, the two most significant are Nowruz (New Year's day/Spring Equinox) and Mehregan.

It seems like Nowruz was more celebrated among North Iranians, but in the south of Iran, the New Year festival would be in the autumn (in the month of Mehr – Oct-Dec). Later, this changed, and nowadays the new year all around Iran is celebrated on Farvardin (21st of March).

In Old Persia, the ancient Iranian calendar had no weeks. The year was divided into twelve 30-day months, and every day had a specific name. Whenever the name of the day and the month were matched, Iranians for whom celebration and happiness was a religious act, celebrated this special occasion!

When is the Mehregan day?

The month of Mehr is from September 23 to October 22. The 16th day of this month is named Mehr, so it is Mehregan. But based on different calendars, Mehregan is celebrated on various days. From the first to the 16th day of the Mehr.

Pomegrante, an important fruit in Iran.

Pomegrante, an important fruit in Iran.

Why do Iranians celebrate Mehregaan?

Beside Its name, there are other reasons as to why Iranians love and celebrate the 16th of Mehr. It is told that this was the day when God created the first male and female: Mashie and Mashiane (Adam and Eve). Also on this day, the black and lightless moon was illuminated, and the sun was formed!

Besides, this was the day when Kaveh, the Iranian hero, could finally win and imprison the evil enemy of Iran, Zahhaak. So this is a day to celebrate freedom and victory of light over darkness and good over bad.

In addition, it is the beginning of autumn i.e Harvesting season, and it's the celebration of Mehr, the divinity of covenant.

Who is Mehr?

Mehr or Mitra is an ancient god associated with light, promise and friendship. Iranians, especially Achaemenian, loved and worshipped him.

Mehr is also Iran’s guardian and a remarkable warrior. (more about Mithra)

Mehregan Sofreh from above!

Mehregan Sofreh from above!

What are in Mehregan sofreh?

I have posted what sofreh is before, and like any other important celebration in Iran, there is a sofreh for Mehregan as well.

FoodTribe

What is Sofreh in Iranian culture? | سفره ناهار

Sofreh is a piece of fabric that Iranians serve their meals on

The Sofreh is decorated with dry wild marjoram. Avesta (The holy book of Zoroastrians), a mirror, Sharbat (Iranian soft drink), rosewater, sweets, flowers, vegetables and fruits (especially pomegranates, grapes and apples), scented herbs, nuts (such as pistachio and almond), candles, Kondor (frankincense) and Espand (wild rue) are all placed on Mehregan's Sofreh.

The household wears new clothes and gathers along this colourful sofreh at noon, and after praying, they would enjoy the yummy goods presented at Sofreh and a special delicious lunch which is usually a stuffed chicken.

Nowadays

Nowadays Mehregan is still celebrated by the Zoroastrians of Iran. However, Iranians are trying to connect with their past, so non-Zoroastrian Iranians started to celebrate these kinds of festivals again as well.

My Mehregan table.

My Mehregan table.

My Sofreh:

It was the first time I spread this Sofreh, and I used the information I've got from books and the internet to find what goes on it. So some things are missing; some of which I had no idea how to find and some of them are not available anymore! We made Pomegranate Aash (soup), carrot halva and a purple sharbat! We also prepared a platter of fruits, scented herbs and Incense, legume and some nuts.

I felt amazing to continue our traditions and do what my ancestors did thousands of years ago. We all loved Mehregan and we will celebrate it again!

Here is a video of me setting up the Mehregan table:

Thank you!

I prepared this video in October, but I was sceptical if I should post it! So tell me what do you think and if you like this kind of content.

(Based on the book of Jahan Farvari by Dr Bahram Farahvashi)