SaedNews: Get to know the customs and traditions of the people of Gilan! From the colorful local costumes of Qasemabadi and Talysh, to the traditional Gishebari wedding ceremonies, Muharram rituals, Nowruz singing, and Yalda Night with watermelon and Avokunus.
According to the Customs and Traditions Service of SaedNews, if you plan to travel to Rasht or other beautiful cities in Gilan Province and are curious to get acquainted with the customs and traditions of the people of this lush region, join us. In this article, we take you on an exciting journey into the heart of the culture, traditions, and rituals of the warm-hearted people of Gilan. From traditional wedding ceremonies to Muharram rituals, Nowruz, and Yalda Night, everything is described in detail so you can travel to this land with full knowledge.
Gilan Province, with Rasht as its center, is one of the most beautiful areas in northern Iran, famous for its pristine nature, delicious cuisine, and hospitable people. The inhabitants have preserved their rich identity by maintaining ancient traditions and passing cultural heritage down to new generations. Every occasion in this province, from weddings and Nowruz to the month of Muharram, takes on a special character and showcases unique ceremonies.
Most people in Gilan are Gilaks and speak Gilaki, but proficiency in Persian is also common. Gilaki has various branches, including Talysh, Harzandi, Gorani, Mazandarani, and some dialects of Tati and Semnani. These languages have roots in the Parthian (Arsacid) language and are heard with slight differences across different parts of Gilan. Additionally, in some areas, Talysh, Tati, and even Turkish dialects are also spoken.
Gilan’s traditional clothing is among the most beautiful and colorful traditional costumes in Iran and can be divided into three main categories:
Women’s Clothing in Gilan
Women’s attire varies in the eastern, western, and central parts of the province:
Eastern Gilan (Qasemabadi): Characterized by pleated skirts and "shaliteh" with sequin-embroidered vests. The main components include scarves and headbands (lachak), shirts (jomeh), vests, and "eljaghba" (a velvet or nighttime cloak).
Western Gilan (Talysh): Consists of a vest called "jolkhteh" or "niftneh" and long skirts.
Central Gilan (Resukhi): A combination of slit shirts and traditional vests with special decorations.
Women’s shirts are usually embroidered with colorful threads and trims, and the vests feature open-front designs with adjustable collars.
Men’s Clothing in Gilan
Men also have their own traditional outfits:
Vest: Made of woolen shawl fabric in cold seasons and thinner fabrics in spring and summer.
Pants: Known as "Shallar" in western Gilan and simple or buttoned pants in the east. Dark colors like black and pepper (dark brown) are common.
Coat: Traditional coats such as "chokha" or "shakkeh" are made from shawl fabric with turned collars.
Footwear: Local shoes include "chomush" (simple leather shoes), "orsi," "charogh," "giveh," and "galosh boots."
Hats: Common hats include Talysh brimmed hats, felt hats, and sheepskin hats. Shepherds wear "bashlaq" (a long waterproof cloak) and short or long felt coats called "kula" and "shola."
One of the most captivating Gilan traditions is the wedding ceremony, especially the "Gisheh-bari" ritual (carrying the bride to the groom’s house). This ceremony is the highlight of traditional Gilaki weddings, accompanied by musical instruments like saz and naghareh, singing, and celebrations.
Details of the Gisheh-bari Ceremony
In Eastern Gilan: The bride and groom plant a sapling taken from the bride’s father’s house at the groom’s home as a symbol of shared life and blessings.
In Eastern and Western Gilan: The bride’s mother ties a rooster’s foot with colorful silk threads and sends it with the bride and a chicken to the groom’s house.
Bread and Flour: In many areas, bread and flour are tied around the bride’s waist on a cloth to bring good luck and blessings to the new home.
Gifts at the Departure (Sari or Daiane): The bride’s brother or uncle receives a gift from her when she leaves the house.
Decorated Horse: If the groom’s house is far, the bride rides a decorated horse.
Dowry Donation: In the mountainous villages of Deylaman, the bride donates part of her dowry to Hazrat Fatemeh Zahra (peace be upon her) when crossing water streams.
Groom’s Reception: The groom welcomes the bride with two companions (the best man and usher) by throwing bitter orange, oranges, or sugar cubes as a wish for happiness.
The month of Muharram is observed with special and fervent rituals in Gilan. The people wear black clothing and hold mourning ceremonies to grieve Imam Hussein (peace be upon him). Mosques, shrines, and Hussainiyas are the main centers of these events.
Alam-Bandi Ritual
One of the most beautiful Muharram traditions is "Alam-Bandi," held from one day before Muharram until the seventh day. During this ceremony:
Devotees tie green cloths to the Alam (a religious banner) and light candles.
They offer food from their vows (Nazri) and perform lamentations and chest-beating (Sineh-Zani).
This ritual is spectacularly celebrated in cities like Masouleh (known as "Tough-Bandi") and Astaneh Ashrafieh.
Alam-Vachini
On Ashura or the third day of Imam Hussein’s martyrdom, the "Alam-Vachini" ceremony is held, where the cloths of the Alam are taken down and stored in jars at the mosque for use the following year. People who have had their prayers answered distribute Nazri food or sacrifice sheep.
Nowruz in Gilan is celebrated with joyful and meaningful rituals, many of which remain popular today.
Nowruz-Khani (Nowruz Singing)
An ancient tradition where groups of singers go door to door reciting poems praising the Twelve Imams and welcoming spring. The most famous poems are about the Twelve Imams and the "Aroos Goleh" (Bride Doll).
Aroos Goleh Performance
This performance features three main characters (the giant, Pirbabo, and Naz Khanom) and conveys moral and ritual meanings. The troupe visits homes and receives gifts in exchange for wishes of goodness and blessings.
Chaharshanbe Suri
The Fire-Jumping Festival in Gilan includes jumping over fire, burning "espand" (wild rue), and chanting joyous poems. Other customs include eavesdropping, spoon-clinking, and scarf-throwing, which in mountainous areas sometimes leads to indirect proposals.
Ayneh Takam
A puppet show featuring a goat doll called "Takam," performed in western Gilan. Takam-chi performers sing joyful songs heralding Nowruz and spring.
Sizdah Bedar
On the 13th day of Nowruz, people go outdoors to celebrate by tying grass, performing tightrope walking, and wrestling in the traditional "Gilamardi" style.
Yalda Night is celebrated with family gatherings, reading Hafez and Shahnameh, and eating special foods like watermelon and "Avokunus" (medlar). People believe watermelon protects from summer thirst and winter cold. Medlar is stored in jars with water and salt until it ripens and tastes good.
Gilamardi wrestling is a traditional sport of Gilan held during weddings, festivals, and summer. Wrestlers wear "laspar" pants and go bare-chested in an arena called "Yasambar" to compete and showcase their strength.
The customs and traditions of Gilan are not only part of Iran’s cultural identity but also reflect the joyful, hospitable, and tradition-loving spirit of its people. Familiarity with these rituals will help you have a deeper and more meaningful experience during your visit to this province. From the colorful Qasemabadi costumes to lively wedding ceremonies and Muharram rituals, every aspect of Gilan’s culture has a story to tell.
