Ancient civilizations in Iran marked the onset of each season with communal celebrations, including the advent of summer. During this time, the transition to summer was heralded by the alignment of solar structures, such as the Chahar Taqi, which served as solar calendars. These structures allowed observers to witness the sun’s special position between columns during sunrise, signaling the commencement of a new cycle of seasons. Niasar boasts one such example of these Chahar Taqi structures.
According to the ancient Gahambars calendar, which divided the year into four seasons and four semi-seasons, the onset of summer coincided with the New Year, a tradition preserved in the Tabari calendar. As summer began, the sun rose from its highest point on the northeast horizon and set at its zenith in the northwest. In this era, people held a profound reverence for cosmic phenomena, intertwining them with daily life, rituals, and beliefs, manifesting in numerous ceremonies and celebrations.
While many of these rituals have faded from memory, the advent of summer is still commemorated in various regions, such as Arak, Farahan, and Mahallat, as “Ab Pashoonak” or Splashing Water. Known as Avval Toestooni, this celebration sees many participants joyfully splashing water on one another.
Several hypotheses attempt to explain the origins of this tradition. One suggests that during a prolonged drought lasting seven years, Firooz, the son of King Yazdgerd, feared famine or death. Yet, when rain finally came, people rejoiced and expressed their gratitude by splashing water on each other. Another tale recounts a victorious Iranian king returning home on the first day of summer, encountering a vision of a woman splashing water at the Zolf Abad qanat in Markazi Province. Delighted, he followed suit, splashing water on his companions.
Other forgotten ceremonies marked the onset of summer, such as the “Ceremony of Lotus” on the sixth day of Tir, mentioned by Abū Rayḥān Al-Bīrūnī. This celebration, observed in mountainous regions like Savadkooh in Tabarestan and Mazandaran, coincided with the blooming of lotus flowers. Similarly, the ritual of “Goje Aroos” or “Gol Arros” in parts of Khorasan and western Afghanistan saw the newlywed brides receive fruits, flour, and rock candy as symbols of the season’s bounty.
To join the Iranian Ab Pashoonak or Splashing Water Festival, you can send us your request even last mintues.
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