section_path: Long-standing customs/Iran
section_name: Iran
paragraph_text: Iran
  
  There is a historical misinterpritation of April Fools by the public, to Iranian ancient traditions (specifically regarding Farvardin 13th on the Persian Calendar). It is called " Dorugh-e Sizdah " (lie of Thirteen).
  
  It appears, that this term was imported from the «April Fools» from western cultures into the Iranian modern society;and mistakenly attributed to their ancient national traditions, due to a date proximity between April Fools and Farvardin 13th (also known as Sizdah Be-dar, which plays a major role in Iranian new year holidays and is of vital cultural importance to them).
  
  The ancient Persians perceived the act of "lie" as a mortal sin, and lying was considered a capital crime; as truthfulness was highly valued in their society, following the directives of Zoroastrianism on this matter.
  
  The Persians believed that deceit could lead to rebellion and chaos, making honesty a fundamental principle in their culture.Herodotus highlights that Persians considered lying "the most disgraceful thing in the world", implying that the Greeks, by comparison, were more prone to dishonesty.
  
  There is a historical misinterpritation of April Fools by the public, to Iranian ancient traditions (specifically regarding Farvardin 13th on the Persian Calendar). It is called " Dorugh-e Sizdah " (lie of Thirteen).
  
  It appears, that this term was imported from the «April Fools» from western cultures into the Iranian modern society;and mistakenly attributed to their ancient national traditions, due to a date proximity between April Fools and Farvardin 13th (also known as Sizdah Be-dar, which plays a major role in Iranian new year holidays and is of vital cultural importance to them).
  
  The ancient Persians perceived the act of "lie" as a mortal sin, and lying was considered a capital crime; as truthfulness was highly valued in their society, following the directives of Zoroastrianism on this matter.
  
  The Persians believed that deceit could lead to rebellion and chaos, making honesty a fundamental principle in their culture.Herodotus highlights that Persians considered lying "the most disgraceful thing in the world", implying that the Greeks, by comparison, were more prone to dishonesty.