Winter · Month 12 of 12
Esfand
/es-FAND/
اسفند
From Spenta Armaiti — "Holy Devotion", the spirit of Earth herself
Esfand is named for Spenta Armaiti — Holy Devotion, the divine spirit of Earth itself. It is the last month of the Persian year, carrying the anticipation of Nowruz. In Esfand, homes are cleaned from corner to corner in preparation for the new year. Seeds are soaked. Plans are made. The Earth breathes in before she exhales into spring.
Celebrations in Esfand
- Esfand 5Esfandegan — Love DayThe ancient Persian celebration of love and the Earth — predating Valentine's Day by millennia. Spenta Armaiti, the spirit of love and the earth, is honoured.
- Esfand 28Chaharshanbe SuriThe last Wednesday before Nowruz — Fire Wednesday. Bonfires are lit and people jump over the flames, exchanging illness for warmth and the promise of spring.
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→