The Persian calendar preserves an ancient legacy tied to the region's seasonal and cultural rhythms.

Feature	Gregorian Calendar	Islamic Calendar	Persian Calendar
Type	Solar	Lunar	Solar
Year Length	~365.24 days	~354 days	~365.24 days
Month Length	Fixed (28–31 days)	Varies (29–30 days)	Fixed for each month
Leap Year	Every 4 years (*)	No leap year	Once every 4 or 5 years
Start of Year	January 1	Muharram 1	Nowruz (Spring Equinox)
Global Use	Worldwide	Religious purposes	Iran, Afghanistan
* except century years not divisible by 400

The names of the months, days, and seasons in the Persian calendar have deep historical roots, dating back to ancient Persia and the Achaemenid Empire (circa 550–330 BCE). These names were shaped by Zoroastrianism, the dominant religion of pre-Islamic Persia, and its sacred texts, the Avesta. Below is an estimation of their origins and the influences that shaped them:

Historical Roots: The month and day names are derived from Avestan terms found in Zoroastrian scriptures, particularly the "Zoroastrian calendar," which was developed to align with agricultural cycles and religious observances. Approximate Era: The Zoroastrian calendar is believed to have been formalized during the Achaemenid Empire (6th century BCE). Purpose: The names honored Zoroastrian divinities (Amesha Spentas) and natural elements essential to life, such as water, fire, and earth. Key Influencers: Zarathustra (Zoroaster): The founder of Zoroastrianism, whose teachings emphasized the significance of nature and celestial cycles. Achaemenid Kings: Promoted the Zoroastrian calendar as a unifying system across their vast empire.

Pre-Zoroastrian Influence: The recognition of four seasons likely predated Zoroastrianism and arose from the agrarian lifestyle of early Persian societies. Seasonal names reflect environmental observations and linguistic evolution from ancient Indo-Iranian cultures. Formalization in Zoroastrianism: Zoroastrianism codified the seasons into a structured calendar, emphasizing harmony between humanity and nature. Seasonal Festivals: Festivals like Nowruz (spring), Tirgan (summer), Mehregan (autumn), and Yalda (winter) demonstrate this connection. Approximate Era: Recognition of seasons as formal divisions in the calendar likely dates back to at least the Bronze Age (3rd millennium BCE) in the Iranian Plateau, though the specific names came later with the Zoroastrian calendar.

After the Islamic conquest of Persia (7th century CE), the use of Zoroastrian names persisted among Iranians despite the introduction of the Islamic lunar calendar. The Samanid Dynasty (9th–10th century CE) played a key role in reviving Persian culture and ensuring the continued use of these ancient names. Jalali Calendar Reform (11th century CE): Under the Seljuk Empire, a group of scholars, including the famous mathematician Omar Khayyam, reformed the Persian calendar. They retained the ancient month and season names, aligning them with solar cycles for greater accuracy.
The continued use of these names showcases the resilience of Persian culture and its ability to blend pre-Islamic and Islamic elements. Today, the names are a testament to Iran’s rich history, preserving traditions that date back thousands of years.

Here is a list of special days in the Persian calendar, along with brief details for each:

Celebrated on the spring equinox, Nowruz marks the beginning of the new year and the arrival of spring. Families clean their homes (Khaneh Tekani), prepare a Haft-Sin table, and visit relatives. Rooted in Zoroastrianism, it is one of the oldest and most widely celebrated festivals in Persian culture.

On the 13th day of Farvardin, Iranians head outdoors to picnic and spend time in nature. The day is about avoiding bad luck associated with the number 13 and connecting with the environment. Families traditionally throw Sabzeh (sprouted grains from the Haft-Sin table) into running water to symbolize renewal and letting go of negativity.

this festival is dedicated to Fravashis, the guardian spirits of ancestors. Families visit graves, offer food, and perform rituals to honor and connect with departed loved ones. It reflects the Zoroastrian belief in respecting and remembering the past.

this celebration is dedicated to Ardibehesht, the Zoroastrian concept of truth and light. Fire temples host ceremonies where people pray for clarity, honesty, and righteousness. The festival emphasizes the importance of moral purity and justice.

this festival honors Khordad, the guardian of water and prosperity. People gather near water sources to offer prayers and express gratitude for health and abundance. It’s a time to celebrate nature’s blessings, especially the role of water in life.

Tirgan celebrates Tishtrya, the Zoroastrian rain deity, and honors water's life-giving properties. Activities include water splashing, wearing rainbow-colored wristbands, and storytelling about Arash the Archer. It’s an ancient festival observed in midsummer, particularly in arid regions.

Marked in mid-Tir, this event signifies the hottest part of the year and the Sun’s peak energy. It is celebrated with outdoor gatherings, seasonal fruits, and reflection on the balance of nature. The festival highlights the importance of the Sun in sustaining life.

this festival honors Amordad, the Zoroastrian principle of eternal life and prosperity. Offerings of flowers and fruits are made, and people pray for enduring blessings and continuity. It serves as a reminder of the timeless connection between humans and divine forces.

this festival honors water as a purifying and life-giving force. It involves water splashing, prayers, and rituals to show gratitude for this vital resource. The festival has roots in Zoroastrian traditions and serves as a reminder of water’s sacred importance in Persian culture.

Observed on the 4th day of Shahrivar, this festival celebrates kindness, self-control, and leadership. Acts of charity, community meals, and reflections on service to others are central to the celebrations. The day emphasizes the responsibility of individuals in creating a harmonious society.

Dedicated to Mithra, the deity of friendship and contracts, Mehregan celebrates gratitude and justice. People gather to feast, exchange gifts, and light candles to honor the balance of day and night during autumn. Historically, it was as significant as Nowruz and remains a cultural symbol of kindness.

this festival celebrates the lotus flower, symbolizing purity, renewal, and the connection between water and life. Communities offer lotus flowers to water sources and hold ceremonies to honor nature’s beauty. It reflects the harmony between humans and the environment.

this festival honors Anahita, the goddess of water, fertility, and healing. Prayers and offerings are made at water sources, asking for rain and agricultural prosperity. It’s a joyous occasion celebrating water’s role in sustaining life.

this festival is dedicated to fire as a sacred element in Zoroastrianism. People gather in fire temples, light ceremonial flames, and express gratitude for warmth and light. The festival underscores fire’s spiritual and practical importance.

The longest night of the year, Yalda symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. Families gather to share fruits (especially pomegranates and watermelons), nuts, and recite Persian poetry. The festival has Zoroastrian roots and emphasizes hope, renewal, and family bonds.

this celebration marks the end of darkness after the longest night (Yalda) and the renewal of life. Families gather for feasts, storytelling, and the lighting of candles to welcome the increasing daylight. It symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness.

this festival is dedicated to Bahman, representing good thoughts and animal welfare. People enjoy vegetarian feasts, perform charitable acts, and reflect on ethical living. It promotes kindness and a harmonious relationship with nature and animals.

Celebrated 50 days before Nowruz, Sadeh honors fire as a sacred element and its importance in human survival. Large bonfires are lit to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness and the approach of spring. The festival is rooted in Zoroastrianism and agricultural traditions.

An ancient festival dedicated to Spenta Armaiti, the goddess of love, devotion, and the earth. It’s considered the Persian equivalent of Valentine’s Day, where people honor love, kindness, and women. Gifts and tokens of affection are exchanged, and the earth's fertility is celebrated.

On the eve of the last Wednesday of the year, people jump over bonfires to cleanse themselves of negativity and welcome health and happiness. Songs and rituals accompany this Zoroastrian tradition, which predates Islam. Fire symbolizes purification, renewal, and the end of the year’s hardships.

The Persian Zodiac has roots in ancient Iranian astrology, blending Zoroastrian beliefs with celestial observations.
While less universally recognized than the Western or Chinese systems, the Persian zodiac offers a rich cultural perspective.
The Persian zodiac aligns closely with ancient Zoroastrian cosmology, emphasizing the balance between celestial bodies and human life. These signs were influenced by Babylonian and Hellenistic astrology during Persia’s imperial exchanges, blending Greek zodiac elements with Persian interpretations. The Persian calendar’s zodiac reflects the agrarian and seasonal cycles of the Iranian Plateau, making it deeply connected to nature.

Here’s an overview of the 12 Persian zodiac signs, corresponding to the solar months of the Persian calendar:

Symbol: The Ram Traits: Brave, enthusiastic, and energetic. Individuals born under this sign are pioneers and natural leaders. Weakness: Can be impulsive or overly competitive.

Symbol: The Bull Traits: Patient, reliable, and grounded. They value beauty, art, and comfort in life. Weakness: Stubbornness and resistance to change.

Symbol: The Twins Traits: Adaptable, curious, and sociable. Those born in Khordad are excellent communicators and love exploring new ideas. Weakness: Indecision and restlessness.

Symbol: The Crab Traits: Emotional, nurturing, and protective. Tir-born individuals are deeply connected to family and home. Weakness: Mood swings and over-sensitivity.

Symbol: The Lion Traits: Charismatic, confident, and creative. They thrive in leadership roles and love attention. Weakness: Vanity and occasional arrogance.

Symbol: The Virgin Traits: Practical, analytical, and detail-oriented. Shahrivar-born individuals excel at problem-solving and organization. Weakness: Perfectionism and overthinking.

Symbol: The Scales Traits: Fair-minded, sociable, and artistic. Mehr-born individuals value harmony, beauty, and justice. Weakness: Indecisiveness and avoiding confrontation.

Symbol: The Scorpion Traits: Intense, passionate, and determined. Those born in Aban have a deep emotional and intuitive side. Weakness: Jealousy and secrecy.

Symbol: The Archer Traits: Adventurous, optimistic, and independent. Azar-born individuals love exploring and learning new things. Weakness: Impulsiveness and bluntness.

Symbol: The Goat Traits: Ambitious, disciplined, and practical. They excel in achieving long-term goals and managing responsibilities. Weakness: Can be overly serious or pessimistic.

Symbol: The Water Bearer Traits: Innovative, independent, and humanitarian. Bahman-born individuals are forward-thinking and value freedom. Weakness: Detached or unpredictable behavior.

Symbol: The Fish Traits: Compassionate, artistic, and intuitive. Esfand-born individuals are dreamers with a strong connection to emotions and spirituality. Weakness: Escapism and being overly idealistic.

Next Period Time often refers to the prediction of a recurring event or phase, such as menstrual cycles, economic cycles, or celestial phenomena. The calculation involves understanding the periodicity (cycle length) and current status of the event. Some benefits of knowing your or your partner's Menstrual Cycle:

Detect irregularities that could indicate health issues like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis. Track hormonal imbalances.

Identify fertile windows (around ovulation) for conception. Use cycle tracking as a natural contraceptive method.

Anticipate and manage symptoms like cramps or mood changes. Plan activities or travel around period dates.

Some phases (like the follicular phase) may boost energy, while others (like the menstrual phase) may require rest and self-care.