Arbor Day · Ruz-e Derakht-kari

Culture of origin: Iranian · Cultural

Holiday sources: Iran

Iran's National Tree Planting Day falls on 15 Esfand, usually 5 March, and opens Natural Resources Week (15–22 Esfand). Saplings suited to the climate of each region are handed out, and people are shown how to plant them. Many Iranians plant a tree in memory of someone who has died, for a newborn or as a gift, and give it a name. Arbor Day itself began in Nebraska in 1872 and is now kept in many countries.