10 CULTURAL TRADITIONS OF IRAN

Due to its richest history and traditions, Iran is one of the most interesting countries to
explore. Most traditions and folk customs have existed since prehistoric times. For the guests of
the country, those folk customs may seem quite unusual, that’s why today we’d like to help you
get some idea about top 10 the most interesting cultural traditions of Iran:

1. BURNING THE SEEDS OF HARMALA

Iranians are extremely superstitious people, especially when it comes to the evil eye. To
protect themselves from the evil eye, the Iranians burn the harmala seeds on coal. The plant is
found in the Middle East, in India and Pakistan. When heated harmala seeds start bursting like
popcorn and smoke. The Iranians believe that the fumigation ritual with harmala is the best
protection against the evil eye. In Turkey, there is also a tradition harmala. Locals use dried
seeds from the evil eye.

2. FINGER SNAPPING

One of the common habits of Iranians is a kind of finger snapping. Iranians call it
beshkan and it can be seen at parties and weddings. For a loud sound, you need to fold your
palms and click your middle fingers. There are used different combinations of fingers, and the
sound of clicks also turns out to be different. From an early age, Iranians learn beshkan so that
they can show off with all the talent at the right moment.

3. NOOCH – NO

Iranians never say “no”. Instead, to express a negative answer, they just raise their
eyebrows in the form of amazement, or lift their chins and click the tongue. Sometimes they may
do both gestures at the same time and all these are done instead of saying “no”.
4. CUCUMBER IN A FRUIT BASKET

Fruit is an important part of the traditional table. Iranians are used to eat fruits as a snack
between main meals. Guests are also taken to treat fruit. The most unusual “fruit” in the basket
seems to you a cucumber. The Iranians have a special relationship to cucumber.

5. SUR – TREAT

Treats in Iran are quite ordinary things. Sur or treat does not require a special occasion.
Iranians just love to treat sweets and organize tea parties for no reason. The purpose could be
good news, an important event, a big purchase, or just a long-awaited meeting. Iranians love to
share the joy.

6. PARENTS AND CHILDREN

In Iran, you can get totally confused when you hear how a father calls his child “Maman Jan” or
“Baba Jan”. This is a kind of expression of affection, and you will not see such attitude anywhere
else.

7. QUESTIONS ABOUT INCOME

On the one hand, Iranians consider it rude to talk about the price of the service and to
claim the money, on the other hand, they like to chat about incomes and ask about your salary.
The usual topic of conversation may be the cost of a particular purchase, the money you spent on
a trip and etc.

8. THE REFUSAL OF MONEY

It is quite normal to pay for services. In Iran, be prepared for a different attitude to
money. Iranians traditionally refuse to get paid for this or that service. For example, a taxi driver
can refuse to take money. They will just say “Ghabel nadare” that is translated as “nothing is
needed.” The fact is that the Iranians consider it rude to immediately call the price and ask for
payment. After this ceremony, you may pay. Sometimes it is misleading to guests who are
unfamiliar with the tradition that is why a foreigner can often leave without paying.

9. CELEBRATING HOLIDAYS ON THE EVE

Another unusual tradition of Iranians is to celebrate holidays the night before. This
tradition is most enjoyed by children who are waiting for the party with the greatest impatience.
If the birthday coincides with the day off, the holiday may be celebrated a few days earlier.

10. SITTING BACKWARD

The Iranians consider it extremely disrespectful to sit with their backs to the neighbor and
they try to avoid it by all means. However, if it still happened, they will apologize in advance for
their attitude. For example, the driver will immediately apologize to the passenger for sitting
with his back to them. Whoever has been asked for permission must answer that the flower has
no front side.