The biggest holiday in the Persian calendar — rivaling Christmas in terms of celebration, spectacle and food — is “Noruz,” the Iranian New Year, which starts on the first day of Spring. The build-up to the new year begins on the eve of the last Wednesday of the year when Iranians celebrate the festival of “Chaharshanbeh Souri.”
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Chaharshanbeh Souri is translated as “Red Wednesday,” which reflects its ancient origins as a Zoroastrian fire festival that dates back more than 2,000 years. The holiday no longer holds any religious significance but it remains a huge part of our culture.
Traditionally, the festival is celebrated by lighting small bonfires at sunset. People jump over the flames in open fields or in the streets as a symbolic rite of purification.
As you jump, you recite the words:
“Zardi-e man az toh, Sorkhi-e toh az man.”
Translation: May my sickly yellowish hue be yours and your reddish shine be mine.
In essence we are asking to be rid of illness, problems and bad luck that may have plagued us in the past year, and to be blessed with good luck, good health and energy in the new year — all while basking in the literal warmth of fire and the love of family and friends. It’s a beautiful way to start the new year Image may be NSFW.
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As with all holidays, food plays an important role on Chaharshanbeh Souri. The traditional food is “ajil,” a mixture of nuts, seeds and dried berries.
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Common ingredients in ajil — essentially Iranian trail mix — are pistachios, cashews, hazelnuts, roasted chickpeas, almonds, sultanas, pumpkin seeds, dried figs, dried mulberries and dried apricots. As far as holiday eating goes, this is refreshingly healthy!
As you’ve probably guessed, the reason I’m telling you all this is because today is Chaharshanbeh Souri.
Although I will be celebrating the New Year next week with my family in New Jersey, tonight I am on my own as I try to keep the spirit of the holiday in mind. There’s no time like the present to shed the gloom and worry of the past year and take the opportunity for renewal.
(Of course, I couldn’t exactly build a bonfire in my studio apartment, so I lit some tea lights, placed them on the kitchen floor and hopped over them instead lol.)
Whether you’re celebrating tonight or not,
I wish you all a bright, happy, healthy year ahead Image may be NSFW.
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Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
