Za’atar Day

Categories:: Special Interest
Tags:: Cultural
Where:: International
Date change rule:: Every September 23
Holiday emoji:: 🌿

Za’atar Day, celebrated on September 23, honors the beloved Middle Eastern herb blend that is a staple in kitchens across the Levant and North Africa. This cultural holiday invites you to explore the rich flavors and traditions associated with za’atar, from seasoning meats to enhancing a simple breakfast. Discover new recipes, visit a Middle Eastern market, or share your favorite za’atar dish with friends and family.

Deals
Platforms
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History
Timeline
FAQs
Importance
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Expected Za’atar Day Deals

While Za’atar Day isn’t typically marked by widespread commercial sales, look for specialty Middle Eastern grocery stores and spice shops to offer promotions on za’atar blends, sumac, and sesame seeds. Many local restaurants specializing in Mediterranean or Middle Eastern cuisine may feature special za’atar-infused dishes or offer complimentary za’atar bread with meals. Consider supporting brands like Ziyad Brand or Sadaf, known for their authentic Middle Eastern ingredients. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as September 23 approaches.

Platform Guide for Za’atar Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #ZaatarDay. Share vibrant photos of your favorite za’atar dishes, from manakish to labneh with olive oil.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #ZaatarDay. Post about your family’s traditional za’atar recipes or cultural significance.

YouTube

Subscribe to @NationalToday for holiday video content. Create a short video demonstrating how to make homemade za’atar bread or a unique za’atar marinade.

Za’atar Day Hero

The Ancient Levantines

Za’atar, as both an herb and a spice blend, has roots stretching back thousands of years in the Levant region of the Middle East. While no single individual is credited with its invention, the ancient peoples of this area — encompassing modern-day Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Palestine, and Israel — cultivated and perfected its use. Their culinary traditions and deep connection to the land laid the foundation for za’atar's enduring cultural significance and its staple role in Middle Eastern cuisine.

History of Za’atar Day

In Jewish tradition, Saadiah, Ibn Ezra, Maimonides, and Obadiah ben Abraham all identified the “ezov” mentioned in the Hebrew Bible with the Arabic word ‘za’atar’ which is particularly associated with ritual purity ceremonies, like preparing the ashes of the red heifer. The Children of Israel are also said to have used some of ezov/za’atar stalks to smear the blood of the Paschal sacrifice on the doorposts of their houses right before leaving Egypt. Za’atar has been used as a staple in Arab cuisine since medieval times and up till the present day, along with other spiced salts. Za’atar has historical significance for Palestinians, some of whom see the presence of za’atar as the symbol of a Palestinian household. For Palestinian refugees, and other Palestinians in foreign lands, cultural plants and foods such as za’atar are a representation and reminder of the house, village, and region from which they hailed. There is archeological evidence that a za’atar plant was known and used in Ancient Egypt, though its ancient name has not been definitively determined. Remains of a species used in modern za’atar preparations, known as Thymbra spicata, were found in the tomb of Tutankhamun, and this particular species was known to the Ancient Egyptians as “saem” according to Dioscorides. Ecologists discovered that wild za’atar in Israel was on the verge of extinction due to over-harvesting and in 1977, a law was passed declaring it a protected species.

Za’atar Day timeline

5th Century B.C.

Za’atar Plants Used in the Passover

It is said that the Israelites in Egyptian captivity use some shrubs of za’atar plants to daub blood on their doorposts during the Paschal sacrifice.

1100s

Za’atar Used as Medicine

Palestinian and some other Arab cultures believe za’atar to be medicinal and use it to this effect.

1977

Za’atar is Declared a Protected Species

Za’atar is declared a protected species in Israel and a fine is attached to the act of harvesting it.

2006

I.D.F. Checkpoints Confiscate Za’atar

Authorities at Israel Defense Forces (I.D.F.) checkpoints begin to confiscate za’atar plants.

Za’atar Day FAQs

When is Za’atar Day?

Za’atar Day 2026 falls on Wednesday, September 23, celebrating the iconic Middle Eastern herb blend. It’s a perfect mid-week opportunity to explore new culinary traditions.

What are the main ingredients in Za’atar?

The classic za’atar blend typically includes dried thyme, oregano, and marjoram, mixed with toasted sesame seeds, salt, and sumac for its distinctive tangy flavor. Regional variations may add other spices or herbs.

How is Za’atar traditionally used in cuisine?

Traditionally, za’atar is sprinkled over labneh (strained yogurt cheese), bread dipped in olive oil, or used as a seasoning for meats and vegetables. It’s a key ingredient in manakish, a popular flatbread.

Is Za’atar healthy?

Za’atar is generally considered healthy, as its primary components like thyme and oregano are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties. Sumac also contributes to its nutritional value.

Za’atar Day Activities

Add some za’atar to your meals
In the spirit of Za’atar Day, how about you add some spice to your meals by including za’atar in your dish? You should try it!
Prepare some musakhan
Za’atar is of historical and cultural value to Palestinians, and so is musakhan. It’s a good idea to prepare (and eat) some musakhan flavored with za’atar for Za’atar Day.
Share your best recipes online
Do you have any great ideas or recipes for Za’atar flavored meals? Yes? Then you should share these ideas online using the #Za’atarDay hashtag.

FAQs

It was once used in ancient mummification
In Ancient Egypt, some of the dead were mummified with za’atar.
Used as air fresheners in Greek temples
Za’atar is used as an air freshener in temples in Greece.
It is used to treat infections
It is used medically to treat bacterial and fungal infections.
It was famously featured in Shakespearean works
During Shakespearean times, thyme became more popular because Shakespeare used it in his literature.
It is a staple Arabic condiment
Za’atar is one of the most symbolic aspects of any Arabic kitchen.

Why We Love Za’atar Day

It adds flavor to meals
Za’atar spices up our meals and adds the much-needed flavor! Today’s the perfect opportunity to try it out in a new recipe.
It is of cultural value
Za’atar is of cultural and historical value to most Arabs. Learn more about it on this day.
Za’atar is medicinal
It can be used in the treatment of certain types of infections. Find out ways in which you can use za’atar in your daily life.