I was scrolling the other day when I stumbled upon a reel claiming that Mehregan is the Persian Valentine’s Day—and I thought, No way! Mehregan is a beautiful festival, but it has nothing to do with romance or couples. It’s about justice, victory, and light—not candlelit dinners and love letters.
So, if Mehregan isn’t the Persian day of love, what is? Let’s break it down.
1. Mehregan Celebrates Justice and Victory
This ancient festival marks the triumph of good over evil, symbolized by Fereydun’s victory over Zahhak in Persian mythology. It is a time to honor Mithra (Mehr), the god of light, justice, and friendship. The focus is on fairness and harmony rather than romantic love.
Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh links Mehregan to this victory:
چو کاوه برون شد ز درگاه شاه
برافراخت زان سان گرانکامگاه
همی رفت پیش اندرون شهریار
همی خواند ای نامداران بیار
وزان پس بیامد به ایوان شاه
به مهرگان بر، نشست آن سپاه
Transliteration:
Cho Kāveh borun shod ze dargāh-e shāh
Bar afrākht zān sān gerān-kāmgāh
Hami raft pish andarun shahrīyār
Hami khānd ey nāmdārān biyār
Vazān pas biyāmad be eyvān-e shāh
Be Mehrgān bar, neshast ān sepāh
Meaning:
When Kāveh left the king’s court,
He raised his banner in defiance,
He marched forward, calling on noblemen for support,
And soon, he reached the royal palace.
On Mehregan, the victorious army took their place.
2. Mithra میترا Represents Universal Love, Not Romantic Love
In Zoroastrianism, Mithra میترا /mitrā/ is the deity of contracts, loyalty, and truth. While he embodies kindness and human connection, his role is broader than personal relationships.
God Mithra on the rock relief of Shapour II at Taq-e Bustan The rock relief of Sasanian king Shapur II (309-379 BCE) at Taq-e Bostan, also known as Taq-e Bustan I shows a double scene of investiture and victory.
3. Sepandarmazgan is the Day of Women (Mother) and the Earth
Traditionally celebrated on 5 Esfand, Sepandarmazgan was dedicated to Earth, women representing birth-giving aspect of the Earth. This festival is becoming more similar to Valentine’s Day for Iranians though, honoring devotion between couples and appreciating women’s role in society.
Related Blog: Sepandarmazgan Vs. Valentines
Conclusion
While Mehregan is about kindness, justice, and friendship, it is not a festival of romantic love. Sepandarmazgan better fits that description in Persian culture.
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