Everything about Chaharshanbe Suri in Iran

Author : asal | Date : Monday 11 March 2024 11:44

Chaharshanbe Suri, also spelled as Chaharshanbe Soori, is an ancient Iranian festival celebrated on the eve of the last Wednesday before Nowruz, the Persian New Year. This festival is deeply rooted in Zoroastrianism, which is one of the world's oldest monotheistic religions and was the state religion of Iran before the spread of Islam.

What is the History of Chaharshanbe Suri in Iran?

Chaharshanbe Suri in Iran, also known as the Festival of Fire, is an ancient Iranian tradition celebrated on the eve of the last Wednesday before Nowruz, the Persian New Year. This event has its roots in Zoroastrianism, which was the predominant religion in the region before the spread of Islam. Zoroastrianism, one of the world's oldest monotheistic religions, has significantly influenced Persian culture and traditions, including Chaharshanbe Suri.

Ancient Origins of Chaharshanbe Suri in Iran

The origins of Chaharshanbe Suri can be traced back to at least 1700 BCE, during the early Zoroastrian era. The festival is deeply intertwined with the concepts of light and fire, which are central to Zoroastrianism. Fire represents purity, and it's believed to fight off evil spirits and the forces of darkness. The celebration, therefore, symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and the renewal of life that comes with the arrival of spring.
Over the centuries, Chaharshanbe Suri has evolved while retaining its core practices and symbolism. The main tradition involves people, especially young ones, jumping over bonfires and chanting phrases like “Zardi-ye man az toh, sorkhi-ye toh az man,” which translates to "My yellow is yours, your red is mine." This act symbolizes the exchange of sickness and pallor (yellow) for warmth and energy (red).

Cultural Practices of Chaharshanbe Suri in Iran

Apart from fire jumping, other customs associated with Chaharshanbe Suri include:

• Ghashogh Zani: People (mainly children) go door to door, hitting spoons against pots or plates to receive treats, similar to trick-or-treating.
• Fal-Gush: This involves listening to conversations behind walls or in the streets to interpret them as omens for the future.
• Kuze Shekani: People throw earthenware jars filled with water and symbolic of bad luck from the past year over rooftops to smash them, symbolizing the breaking away from the past year's misfortunes.

Chaharshanbe Suri, A Festive Spark in the Persian Calendar

Starting with the ancient Iranian calendar, each year comprised 12 months, with each month spanning 30 days, totaling a year of 360 days—just five days and a few hours short of a full solar year. During this period, households engage in 'Khane Tekani,' a thorough cleaning ritual in preparation for welcoming Nowruz, the New Year.
In Iranian culture, fire signifies purity, renewal, vitality, well-being, and ultimately, the most tangible representation of the divine on earth. Chaharshanbe Suri, within the context of Persian cultural traditions, marks the prelude to New Year's Eve celebrations.
Historically, this festival has been a significant prelude to Nowruz and the New Year, maintaining its importance among various ethnic groups and citizens across Iran.

Chaharshanbe Suri, Key Traditions Explored

Across Iran, cities and villages alike mark Chaharshanbe Suri on the last Wednesday of the year. As the sun sets on Tuesday, signaling the eve of this day, people gather outdoors, in front of their homes or in suitable open spaces, to light fires.
Participants of all ages and genders leap over the flames, reciting, "Zardi-e Man Az To, Sorkhi-e To Az Man," symbolically shedding the past year's sorrows and misfortunes into the fire to welcome the new year with happiness and peace. But what deeper meaning lies within this ancient Persian phrase?
It signifies a ritual purification, with "Suri" hinting at 'redness' or 'sorkh' in Farsi, embodying the transformation from 'yellow' (illness and problems) to 'red' (warmth and strength) through the fire's purifying power.
In a tradition of discarding the old, pottery items like bowls, plates, and jars filled with water and coins were rolled off roofs, symbolizing the letting go of the past.
Fortune-telling ('Falgush'), where young girls make wishes and interpret overheard conversations as omens, and the ritual of 'Ghashoq Zani'—where women, often veiled, knock on doors with a spoon or key to receive sweets, fruits, or money—are enduring practices of Chaharshanbe Suri, connecting the community and preserving ancient customs.

Last Word

Chaharshanbe Suri embodies the rich heritage and vibrant spirit of Iran, merging ancient traditions with the joy of renewal. Through its iconic bonfires, communal rituals, and symbolic acts of purification, the festival strengthens bonds within communities and ushers in the new year with hope and joy. Chaharshanbe Suri is not merely a prelude to Nowruz but a celebration of life's resilience and the enduring cultural legacy of the Iranian people, highlighting their deep connection to nature and heritage.

FAQ

What is Chaharshanbe Suri?

Chaharshanbe Suri is an ancient Iranian festival celebrated on the eve of the last Wednesday before Nowruz, the Persian New Year. Rooted in Zoroastrian traditions, it symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, where people participate in rituals like jumping over bonfires to purify themselves of the past year's hardships and welcome the new year with health and happiness.

Why do people jump over fires during Chaharshanbe Suri?

Jumping over fires during Chaharshanbe Suri is a ritual act symbolizing purification and rebirth. Participants chant, "Zardi-ye man az toh, sorkhi-ye toh az man," meaning "My yellow is yours, your red is mine," exchanging sickness and pallor (yellow) for warmth and vitality (red). It's a physical and symbolic act of leaving behind the difficulties of the past year and embracing strength and health for the year ahead.

Are there other customs associated with Chaharshanbe Suri?

Yes, besides fire jumping, Chaharshanbe Suri includes several other customs:

• Ghashogh Zani: Children and young adults go door-to-door, hitting spoons against pots or plates to receive treats.
• Fal-Gush: A practice of listening to conversations and interpreting them as omens for the future.
• Kuze Shekani: The act of throwing earthenware jars filled with water and symbols of the past year's misfortunes from rooftops to break them.

How is Chaharshanbe Suri observed today?

Today, Chaharshanbe Suri is celebrated across Iran and by Iranian communities worldwide, maintaining its traditional core while also embracing modern elements like fireworks. Despite historical challenges, it remains a deeply loved festival, symbolizing hope, renewal, and community spirit. The celebration includes traditional food, gatherings with family and friends, and the exchange of good wishes for the coming year.