In modern Persian it means love and kindness. Ancient Greeks identified him with Apollo. Other Greek sources mention that the kings would dress in purple, dance, drink and this was the only occasion they could get drunk in public. The celebration is also mentioned in Talmud, the ancient Jewish text. The festival is not specific to Iranians and has been celebrated by many cultures in Asia Minor and throughout ancient Mesopotamia.
Iranian characteristic is based on the ancient Zoroastrian texts.
According to the legend on this day several Izads descend to earth and helped Feraydon over the next six days to defeat and eventually imprison Azydahak on the 21st of the month on top of the Damavand Mountain. In Sassanid times there were plays and re-enactment of this legend accompanied with prayers and songs at the Royal courts. Mihr Yasht makes it quite clear that Mihr and sun are two different entities. Mihr is portrayed as a truthful and brave king with one thousand ears and ten thousand eyes. He is also the protector of warriors, and it has been this aspect of its' personality that made this deity popular with the Roman Military and Mithra was eventually evolved into a major Roman cult and Mithraism spread all over Europe.