Autumn · Month 9 of 12

Azar

/aa-ZAR/

آذر

Named for Azar, the Zoroastrian yazata of fire

Azar is named for fire itself — the sacred element at the heart of Zoroastrian worship. As winter approaches and nights lengthen, fire takes on its deepest meaning. The month closes autumn with Yalda on the eve of Dey — the longest night of the year, when fire and pomegranates and poetry drive back the darkness.

Celebrations in Azar

Azar 9Azargan — Fire FestivalFestival of fire and light as winter approaches. Named for Azar — the Zoroastrian spirit of fire.
Azar 30Yalda NightThe longest night of the year — winter solstice. Families gather to read poetry, eat pomegranates and watermelon, and drive away the darkness together.

Omar Khayyam · Rubaiyat

The mathematician who built this calendar also wrote some of the most beautiful poetry in human history. Read today's verse.

Today's verse by Khayyam→