To mark the start of the Persian Mehregan autumn festival, 30 Iranian food bloggers have come together to share their favorite recipes. Posting simultaneously on October 9, cuisine bloggers from the US, UK, Canada and elswhere used the hashtag #Mehregan2014, sharing recipes and reflections on food and its role in their everyday lives — as well as its power to link them to Iranian culture, family and history. Yasmin Khan at The Saffron Tales, Louisa Shafia’s Lucid Food and Simi’s Kitchen are among those taking part in what Radio Koocheh calls the “first international Mehregan Cyber-Feast.”
Iranians living outside of the country have been instrumental in reviving the ancient Persian and Zoroastrian holiday, seizing the opportunity to present their culture to the world and resist the Islamic Republic’s attempts to suppress ancient Persian traditions.The festival honors the sun deity Mitra, but is largely regarded as a chance to give thanks, a celebration of autumn, the harvest, love and friendship. The word “mehr” means “kindness” in Persian.
“I don't have any recollection of any Mehregan celebrations [growing up]”, says the blog Turmeric Saffron, which features Ash-e Haft Daneh, a hearty bean soup, to celebrate the holiday. “Now, more than ever, I'm passionate about paying a long overdue ode to this centuries-old Iranian festival for the purpose of introducing it to my children as well as others and preserving it for future generations. Plus, we can always use a little more mehr, light and good cheer in our lives.”
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As one of the bloggers involved in the Mehregan food bloggers effort, I'd like to comment that our collaboration was rooted in a desire to promote ourselves as well as the food and culture of Iran. Despite the editorial stance, there were no overt or covert political or 'resistance' stance involved or e xpressed. I was not interviewed for this piece and I object to seemingly giving a direct quote advocating this imposed editorial slant. The excerpted part of my blog post that is quoted here was my attempt to express delight in being able to nurture, revive and respect our heritage and culture despite the passage of time (Mehregan has lied dormant and grown more and more obscure for centuries now and under multiple regimes) and despite the geographical distance from our homeland. Not everything needs to be politicized! In any event, I refuse to wave a banner that is not my choice, voice, or mission. ... read more