Common superstitions in Iran heavily feature the "evil eye" (cheshm zakhm), countered by burning wild rue (esfand), alongside taboos regarding mirrors, nightly chores, and the number 13. Rituals like throwing water behind travelers are used to ensure safe returns, while specific animal behaviors are interpreted as omens, reflecting a mix of ancient Zoroastrian and cultural beliefs.
During Sizdah Bedar, the 13th day of Nowruz (Persian New Year), families spend the day outdoors to avoid bad luck at home. In Iran, the 13th day of Nowruz, Sizdah Bedar, turns superstition into celebration as families spend the day outdoors, embracing nature for renewal and prosperity.
The number of 13 was an unlucky number in mythological culture of ancient Iranian and many other nations; therefore, they believed that an unpleasant thing occurs in this day and because of that, they spend it outdoors, even for a short time and celebrate this day to save themselves from disasters caused by 13.
When someone offers something to you (e.g. tea, sweets), refuse it initially out of politeness before accepting. It is rude to put your feet on the table. Burping and sniffing in front of others is considered rude. One should not touch people of the opposite gender unless they are very close family or friends.
In Iranian culture the “evil eye” signifies a power some hold to bring evil at whatever they look upon. It could also be described as “an eye that wounds”. Wearing jewelry with the 🧿 symbol, is a lucky charm/protects against bad omens and negative energy that people could wish upon you.
Wearing Your Evil Eye Ring
The index or middle finger is often chosen for their visibility, ensuring the Evil Eye serves its purpose of warding off malevolent glances with maximum efficiency. Meanwhile, some opt for the ring finger, linking the concept of protection directly to the heart.
Blue eye colour is prevalent in Iceland with nearly three-quarters (74.52%) of the population possessing blue-coloured eyes while the lowest blue eye colour was reported in Iran (1%).
The thumbs-up gesture, commonly used in many Western countries to show approval, has a different meaning in Iran. It is considered an offensive gesture, equivalent to giving the middle finger in many Western cultures.
Yes, $100 is a significant amount of money in Iran, especially for daily expenses, as it converts to millions of Iranian Rials (IRR), allowing for substantial purchases like multiple restaurant meals, accommodation, or local tours, though it's a small sum compared to average annual salaries. Due to rapid currency devaluation and sanctions, foreigners need to carry large amounts of cash (often in large USD/EUR bills) because credit cards don't work, and you get a huge stack of banknotes for $100.
In Iran, marrying a non-Muslim requires adherence to specific rules. A non-Muslim groom must convert to Islam to marry a Muslim bride. Conversely, conversion is not mandated for a bride of an Abrahamic faith when marrying a Muslim groom.
In this image, we see a traditional Persian-Indian symbol known as the swastika. This ancient symbol is commonly associated with good luck and prosperity in the East.
The haft seen or 7-S table represents 7 heavens, and 7 being a lucky number in most traditions, it is with 7-S that Iranians celebrate. Everything on the haft seen 7-S table is symbolic to bring health and prosperity to the family and the household.
Banned in Iran, the film relates four stories concerning the death penalty in Iran. It had its world premiere at the 70th Berlin International Film Festival, where it won the Golden Bear.
In various cultures, Persian Red symbolizes wealth and power, often seen in royal garments and ceremonial attire. Historically, it has been linked to the grandeur of ancient Persian empires, reflecting their rich heritage and artistic achievements.
1. Salam (سلام) Translating simply to “hello,” this is the most common greeting in Persian. Salam (سلام) literally means “peace,” and the response back would generally be the same.
What do Persians do to protect against the evil eye? Burning Esfand (incense) is traditionally a way to protect against “the evil eye” by its sound, smoke and smell. In Arab countries Bakhoor (incense) is also used for protection.
Tap water is safe to drink in most of the country (and especially the cities), although you may find the chalkiness and taste a bit off-putting in some areas (mainly Qom, Yazd, Hormozgan, and Boushehr provinces). Bottled mineral water (āb Madani) is widely available.
Doctor salaries in Tehran, Iran
How accurate is an average base pay range of IRR 19.3Cr-IRR 21.0Cr/mo? Your input helps Glassdoor refine our pay estimates over time.
Don't: Public Displays of Affection
In Iran, showing affection like kissing or hugging in public between couples is not culturally acceptable. Holding hands discreetly is usually fine, but keeping gestures private is more respectful.
Music was one of the first casualties of the Iranian Revolution. It was banned in 1979, but it quickly crept back into Iranian culture and politics. The state made use of music for its propaganda during the Iran–Iraq war.
Iran has strict codes of dress and behaviour. Women are required by law to wear a headscarf and loose-fitting clothing covering their arms and legs. It's illegal to photograph military or government sites, critical civil infrastructure and public protests. It's illegal to use drones without authorisation.
Iranian peoples, or Iranic peoples, are a diverse ethnolinguistic group who are identified chiefly by their native usage of any of the Iranian languages, which are a branch of the Indo-Iranian languages within the Indo-European language family.
Lucifer's eye color varies by interpretation, often depicted as golden or blue in his angelic form and shifting to fiery red, black, or other intense colors in his demonic states, reflecting his fallen nature, with different fandoms and shows giving unique variations like carmine red or rose gold.
The rarest eye colors are red and violet, typically seen in people with albinism due to a lack of melanin, followed by green eyes, which occur in only about 2% of the global population, making them the rarest common color, and grey eyes, often mistaken for blue but distinct, also very rare. Conditions like heterochromia (different colored eyes) are also exceptionally rare, while brown is the most common.