The Twelve Persian Months

**Farvardin (فروردین)** - March/April - 31 days Named after Fravashi (guardian spirits). The month of new beginnings and Nowruz celebrations. Nature awakens and festivities continue for the first 13 days.

**Ordibehesht (اردیبهشت)** - April/May - 31 days Named after Asha Vahishta (best righteousness), one of the Zoroastrian Amesha Spentas. Known for perfect weather and blooming flowers. Many consider it the most beautiful month.

**Khordad (خرداد)** - May/June - 31 days Named after Haurvatat (wholeness/perfection). The final spring month when fruits begin to ripen and summer approaches. The 6th day is Khordad Rooz, a minor festival.

**Tir (تیر)** - June/July - 31 days Named after Tishtrya, the Zoroastrian divinity of rain. The hot summer begins. Tirgan festival falls on the 13th, celebrating the legendary archer Arash.

**Mordad (مرداد)** - July/August - 31 days Named after Ameretat (immortality). The peak of summer heat. Despite the name meaning "immortality," this month historically had high mortality due to heat.

**Shahrivar (شهریور)** - August/September - 31 days Named after Khshathra Vairya (desirable dominion). The last month with 31 days. Summer begins to wane. Shahrivargan festival honors the earth and metals.

**Mehr (مهر)** - September/October - 30 days Named after Mithra, divinity of covenant and light. The first month with 30 days. Mehregan festival on the 16th celebrates harvest and friendship.

**Aban (آبان)** - October/November - 30 days Named after Apas (waters). The rainy season begins. Abanagan festival honors water and rain. The name reminds us of water's importance.

**Azar (آذر)** - November/December - 30 days Named after Atar (fire). Winter approaches. Azargan festival honors fire. The contrast between fire-name and cold weather reflects Zoroastrian fire veneration.

**Dey (دی)** - December/January - 30 days Named after Dadar (Creator). The winter solstice falls in this month, celebrated as Yalda/Shab-e Chelleh - the longest night of the year with family gatherings and poetry reading.

**Bahman (بهمن)** - January/February - 30 days Named after Vohu Manah (good mind/purpose). Deep winter. Bahmanagan festival falls on the 2nd day, honoring animals. Also known as Jashn-e Sadeh (100 days to Nowruz) on the 10th.

**Esfand (اسفند)** - February/March - 29/30 days Named after Spenta Armaiti (holy devotion). The final month, 29 days normally, 30 in leap years. Esfandgan festival honors women and earth. Chaharshanbe Suri falls in this month, preparing for Nowruz.