Being a highly traditional country, festivals and celebrations
are very important to Iranian people. The numerous festivals that are held
throughout the year offer a unique way of seeing Iranian culture at its best.
In Iran, in each of the four seasons, people enjoy different festivals and
celebrations. Food, family and flowers are important parts of the most
celebrations. Iranian festival of fire and light is held the last Wednesday
night before the Persian New Year. It includes people going to the streets and
making bonfires and jumping over them while wishing felicity and healthiness in
the New Year. It marks the importance of the light over the darkness, the
arrival of spring and revival of nature. Chahar-Shanbeh means Wednesday and
Suri means both ‘Red’ and ‘Celebration’. People jump over the burning cinders
and shout, “Oh, Chahrshanbe Suri; Give me your red color (red face color is the
symbol of healthiness) and take back sickly pallor,” which is a purification
ritual. Nowadays, the festival of
Charshanbe suri is celebrated with magnificent glory.
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| Charshanbe suri : Iranian Festival of Fire and Light |
