Don't talk about or criticize Iranian politics or political figures. You may find some Iranians to be vocal about their opinions, but no matter what they may say, at the end of the day, Iranians are nationalistic. So if you find yourself in this situation, listen without offering your own views.
It is rude to put your feet on the table. Burping and sniffing in front of others is considered rude. One should not touch people of the opposite gender unless they are very close family or friends.
Thumbs Up
All over the world giving a thumbs up is a positive thing. It is considered as a means of expressing your liking towards something. However, if you give thumbs up in Iran means indecent and offensive insult which means “sit on it”. This is similar to raise your middle finger up.
The thumbs-up gesture is considered rude and has the same connotation as raising one's middle finger for traditional Iranians. Pointing: It is considered rude to point your index finger at another person during conversation. Feet: Displaying the soles of one's feet to another person is improper.
Other common terms of endearment include: azizam (عزیزم, my dear), asalam (عسلم, my honey), khoshgelam (خوشگلم, my beautiful), nafasam (نفسم, my breath), jigaram (جیگرم, my liver).
Compliments in Iranian culture are an example of mutual respect, which includes special behaviours in the community. It is very common even among those who have no particular relationship with each other, such as a customer and a shopkeeper, two neighbours and persons who have no previous friendship.
Raising your eyebrows simply means 'no. ' It's common for Iranians to make this gesture instead of actually saying 'no,' or to use this gesture in conjunction with a 'nooch' sound made by sort of sucking your tongue.
The "two-fingered salute" (also "the forks" in Australia) is commonly performed by flicking the V upwards from wrist or elbow. The V sign, when the palm is facing toward the person giving the sign, has long been an insulting gesture in the United Kingdom, and later in Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
Iranians grow wheat and lentil sprouts for the new year (symbolizing rebirth) which are supposed to absorb any negativity before being thrown out on the 13th. But beforehand, single girls tie a knot with the sprouts in hopes of being married by the next year.
The middle finger is probably the most obscene gesture in the U.S. The most offensive gesture in America is flipping someone off. Shooting the bird. Giving them "the finger." The gesture means screw you.
When it comes to social behavior, Iranian people express good respect, courtesy, and love in a public setting, especially in dealing with foreigners. They may behave more casually with family or friends. Wearing Hijab/scarf in public is challenging for foreign women.
In Iran, it's common to hug each other or kiss on cheeks to say hello.
Iranians give gifts at various social occasions such as returning from a trip or if someone achieves a major success in their personal or business life. On birthdays, business people bring sweets and cakes to the office and do not expect to receive gifts.
Greetings may involve a handshake with the right hand only. Men and women generally will not shake hands unless the female outstretches her hand first and the man is willing to reciprocate the gesture. Iranian men commonly greet women by placing their hand over their heart and nodding/bowing gently.
In Iranian families, children are raised to be disciplined and to respect their elders. They are expected to be clean, well-behaved, and good students. Parents make sacrifices for children, especially for their education. Elderly parents are dependent on adult children and grandchildren.
Flicking your hand under your chin is pretty much the same as giving someone the middle finger, so refrain from using it. This hand gesture can get you in trouble in the U.S. as well as in Italy, Belgium, and Tunisia. In other countries, it means “get lost.”
The gesture is usually used to express contempt but can also be used humorously or playfully.
Khoshgelam. Literally, “my beautiful”, khoshgelam is a word you can say to your lady friend. Iranian moms also love calling their daughters khoshgelam . Variations on this are khoshgele (usually a man says this) or khoshgel khânum (something like “Miss beautiful”).
By referring to themselves as 'Persian,' they sometimes express the desire to look at the segment of history – the ancient empires, for instance – that makes them proud. Why is it, for example, that they identify more readily with Cyrus the Great than with figures in contemporary culture?
Persian cats are incredibly affectionate felines, and they are not afraid to show it, especially to people they love and trust. You will know your Persian adores you if they: Purr a lot—Persians purr while you groom them or pet them, or even when they enjoy their food. That's how they show satisfaction.
Iranians pride themselves on traditions of science, rationalism and pragmatism. Iranian national ethos takes pride in the image of a hard working and methodical national character. In this regard, Iranians frequently cite the contrast between Iranian “scientific” mentality and Arab “emotionalism”.
Strong religious beliefs have been part of Iranians' lives for thousands of years. Almost all Iranians are Muslim, or followers of Islam. The religion is central to daily life. Iran has a long history of scholarship that has created a rich culture of art, literature, poetry, music, cuisine, and architecture.