Valentine Vs. Sepandarmazgan

Valentine Vs. Sepandarmazgan, Do they even fall into the same category?

A straightforward answer would be No. Why?

1. Purpose and who/what each celebrate:

Valentine's Day today is widely recognized as a celebration of romantic love in various forms, including dating, marriage, and even friendships (like "Galentine’s Day" in some cultures). Sepandarmazgan is ancient Persian festival dedicated to love, devotion, and kindness, with a special emphasis on honoring women and the earth.  Historically it honored women as nurturers and caretakers (so them being capable of becoming a mother or being a mother is of attention), similar to the earth’s fertility. It was also a day for men to show gratitude to women in their lives, not necessarily solely in a romantic context. Please bear in mind that while Sepandarmagan honors women and their nurturing role in family life, it’s not exclusive to mothers or women with children. It celebrates all women for their essence, regardless of whether they have children or not. Traditionally, it celebrates women's roles within the family and society, recognizing them as nurturers and life-givers, akin to the earth's fertility. 

2. Origin Differences

Valentine’s Day is rooted in Christianity and the death of allegedly Saint Valentine, who was martyred in the 3rd century. Based on my research, different legends exist, including a Roman priest who allegedly performed secret marriages against Emperor Claudius II's orders. I also figured out that some Orthodox Christians don’t celebrate it because they have Saints Cyril and Methodius Day (February 14) instead. However, some Orthodox churches do recognize a different Saint Valentine on July 6 or July 30. Some Orthodox-majority countries, like Russia, still celebrate it commercially, while others (like Belarus) downplay it in favor of local love celebrations.

Sepandarmazgan (or Espandegan) dates back thousands of years and has its roots in Zoroastrian teachings. It is dedicated to Spenta Armaiti, the divine spirit of love, devotion, and the earth itself.

In ancient Iran, this day was associated with honoring women and showing gratitude to nature. The earth was viewed as a sacred entity — a mother who nurtures and sustains life.

3. Old vs. New Tradition

Valentine’s Day became highly commercialized in the 20th century, especially from the 1970s onward. So it wasn’t entirely “new” then—it had been celebrated for centuries before. The modern romantic traditions (cards, chocolates, teddy bears) became widespread especially after the 1950s and 60s, with Hallmark cards, candy companies, and advertising campaigns. By the 1970s, the holiday was fully commercialized globally. 

4. Ways of Celebration

Valentine’s Day celebrations commonly focuse on gifts like chocolates, teddy bears, flowers, handwritten notes, and candlelit dinners as a gesture of Celebrating love.

Sepandarmazgan is not just about empowering women but appreciating their presence in life. Also, in the past, Persian men would give gifts to women, but women also gave back by honoring men’s love and kindness—so it was more balanced than a one-sided gesture.

Do Iranians Celebrate Valentine’s Day?

This is my take on it: Despite the current regime—especially socialist-driven ideologies that actively oppose concepts like homeland, culture, and national identity—Iranians are experiencing a stronger-than-ever wave of cultural awakening. Like turtles instinctively returning to their origins, many are seeking to reconnect with their roots, rediscover the truth, and embrace their cultural responsibilities.

When it comes to Valentine’s Day, there are two main perspectives among Iranians:

1️⃣ "Happiness is Happiness" – Those Who Celebrate Everything

Some Iranians believe that joy and celebration shouldn’t be restricted by origin. They say:

“I celebrate Christmas even though I’m not Christian. I enjoy decorating a tree for the Gregorian New Year, but my real year starts in spring with Nowruz. I give gifts on Valentine’s Day, and I also celebrate our love on Sepandarmazgan. It’s all about spreading happiness, and that’s fine!”

2️⃣ "Keep It Authentic" – Those Who Prefer Persian Traditions

Others feel that while Valentine’s Day and Christmas are nice, they aren’t as ancient, authentic, or deeply connected to nature as Persian celebrations. They argue:

"Why push a Western holiday when we have our own, rooted in Iranian culture, untouched by consumerism? Instead of replacing, let’s revive our traditions and keep them alive!"

Of course, there are also those who don’t care for either holiday—though this is quite rare when it comes to Nowruz. Even in times of disaster (God Forbid), Iranians always find a way to gather sabzeh, senjed, sir, and whatever they can to set up their Haft-Sin and celebrate the Persian New Year.

What About the Younger Generation?

Today, many Iranian teenagers are fascinated by Western culture and happily celebrate Valentine’s Day. However, there is also a growing movement of young people who believe it’s not too late to revive Persian traditions—so they actively promote Sepandarmazgan as Iran’s true "Day of Love." Hopefully, their efforts will help keep Iranian culture alive for future generations.

So, I would like to mention that although Sepandarmazgan is more related to women (especially their motherhood feature) and earth, some want to consider it as an iranian valentines. so they are modernizing it somehow as a clebration of love (rather than solely being for only motherhood and earth)

Summary:

Are Valentine’s Day and Sepandarmazgan Even in the Same Category?

Not really. Just as the Gregorian and Persian calendars measure time differently, these two holidays celebrate love in different ways:

That said, some modern Iranians now treat Sepandarmazgan as a Persian Valentine’s Day and celebrate it in a romantic context. While this isn’t historically accurate, it’s an example of how cultures adapt and evolve over time.

At the end of the day, whether one chooses Valentine’s Day, Sepandarmazgan, or both, the most important thing is to keep the spirit of love and appreciation alive—whether for a partner, family, or culture. ❤️