Blessings of the Day of Nature

Welcome to a special feature on the Day of Nature as the 13th of the Iranian month of Farvardin is observed in the Islamic Republic of Iran, as a sign of thanksgiving to the Lord Most High for His unbounded favours and blessings.

The 13^th of Farvardin also happens to be the last day of the New Year holidays in Iran, so people normally go out to enjoy the blessings of nature. On this day, the Iranian people, based on an age-old cultural tradition, leave their homes and spend the day outdoors in scenic landscapes and or forested regions, in the company of their families. Spring time in Iran is truly the season of revival of nature. The refreshing fragrance of flowers and blossoms spreads across the country in this season. Sprouts come out of soil, and greenery covers plains and orchards. Mountainous regions get covered with colorful wild flowers and the yellow, red, and white flowers grant a special beauty to the nature. Iran is home to diverse climates and each part of this country is host to eco-tourists.

Nature is indeed the sign of the One and Only God, Who created the entire universe, shaped the Milky Way and other galaxies, fashioned the solar system, made the Earth (like the other planets) spin on its axis while revolving around the Sun – in order to determine day and night, the cyclic change of weather conditions, computation of the year. He also created winds to interact with sunlight and the salty seas to set in motion the clouds for raining down fresh water on the soil to make it bloom with vegetation of different kinds for the thriving of birds, animals, and insects of various hues and colours – all for the benefit of the Best of Creation, that is Mankind. As the holy Qur’an says in ayah 9 of Surah Fatir: 

“It is Allah Who sends the winds and these (winds) raise a cloud; then We drive it toward a dead land and with it revive the earth after its death. Likewise will be the resurrection [of the dead].”

Upon the study of the roots of this Iranian tradition, we realize the impact of mankind’s bond with nature which is ultimately to the benefit of mankind and posterity. Ancient Iranians had realized the impact of presence of mankind in nature, and intended to terminate their sorrows by making the best of the refreshing and intact nature. This tradition remains to this day, but has gone through a number of changes in line with changing social conditions. It is said that the thirteen day of the Iranian New Year is the true festivity of spring. The nature is refreshed and attracts people.

The 13^th day of Farvardin is thus a day for paying respect to nature and its hidden blessings. The Iranian people are highly interested in nature, which is a divine blessing. Observance of the scenic nature and landscapes, coupled with contemplation in God’s beauty and omnipotence, are part of the benefits, resulting from attending scenic landscapes. The glorious Qur’an considers the scene of creation as the true manifestation of God’s grandeur, while many Ayahs of this Divine book encourage mankind to attend the nature and ponder on its beauties to realize the elevated prudence and wisdom of God Almighty. Hence, the Iranian families, who are inspired by the Islamic culture, look at the nature as one of major divine blessings. They make use of every opportunity to attend the heart of nature.

On the Day of Nature, Iranians get prepared to travel to plains, parks and forested regions. A sense of collective fervor is evident across the country for going to parks and orchards. Everyone wishes a sunny and warm day.

This day maintains its own traditions and customs. Usually, families collectively prepare lunch; carry mixed nuts, and fruits with them in their outdoor journey. This day’s food is either cooked at home or at the heart of nature. One of the most popular foods on the Day of Nature is a traditional Iranian noodle soup called Ash-e Reshte. Also, a number of people, who reside in western Iran, prepare meat balls for lunch on the Day of Nature.

Usually, the Day of Nature raises an appropriate opportunity for establishment of friendships. Given that in public places the possibility of social interactions is much higher; games and contests are commonplace on this day, which is in turn a factor, leading to reinforcement of social bonds. One of the common traditions of this day is to tie up grass, which is mainly done by youths. In the mythical culture for ceremonies of the Day of Nature, this act is considered to symbolize the materialization of one’s aspirations. Also, happiness on the Day of Nature symbolizes the fall of bleak and evil thoughts.

Every year, several organizations in different cities of Iran make utmost efforts to turn the Day of Nature into a day filled with happiness, coupled with respect for nature. Hence, on this day, urban parks set a number of plans so the Iranian people would spend the last day of holidays in an atmosphere filled with respect for nature and to get prepared to start their activities in the New Year with a refreshed and cheerful spirit. We wish you all the best on this day.

AS/ME