Giving gifts (Eydi): Persian New Year ritual

Giving gifts is the most common custom on Persian New year.

Iranians visit the elderly and other relatives during the New Year holidays.

Traditionally, the younger ones lead the initiative and go to the homes of the elders. The hosts offer Eydi which is crisp, new bills placed inside the holy book of Quran to the children of the guests.

Usually, adults present the book in front of them and children take the money out from it.

Eydi usually has a spiritual worth, as opposed to a monetary one; so don’t be offended if the only thing you can buy with your eydi is just a sandwich.

This tradition has been touched upon in many Iranian movies and series.

Also read:

Pre-Nowruz rituals: what all Iranians do before New Year

Reciting Fatihah at graves on last Thursday of year: Persian ritual

Traditional Persian prayer for New Year: iFilm cut

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