HAPPY CHARSHANBE SURI!
It’s the last Tuesday of winter! Why is it important, you ask? ITS CHARSHABE SURI Y’ALL!! PREPARE YOUR BONFIRESS!!
Charshanbe Suri (often translates to The Scarlet Wednesday) is an ancient Persian tradition which takes place on the last Wednesday eve of the winter. On Tuesday night, people gather around in an open space and start making bonfires. After lighting them up, each person jumps over the fire multiple times while singing zardie man az to, sorkhie to az man which means let my yellowness be yours and your redness be mine. Fire is a symbol of light and energy, so by jumping over it, you ask the fire to take away your paleness (yellow being a symbol of sickness) and give its energy and redness to you. This is a symbolic ritual to purify one’s soul and get rid of negativity.
People celebrating Charshanbe Souri in different cities of Iran
The cause of this celebration is to renew your spirit for the new year. The Persian calendar is based on nature, as it starts on the first day of spring which is called Nowrooz and translates to new day. With Nowrooz being a celebration of earth’s revival, people try to do the same by cleaning and redecorating their houses, buying new clothes and planning changes for the new year. By celebrating Charshanbe Suri, like their dining rooms and gardens, their souls are cleansed and ready to welcome spring.
Charshane Suri also includes another old tradition called Ghashogh Zani which means “spoon banging”. Similar to trick or treat, people wear a blank white sheet with two holes as eyes and bang a metal spoon to a bowl, going door-to-door asking for candy and nuts. Although this tradition is no longer relevant in Iran, some people are trying to bring it back, by performing it with groups of students in schools and small gatherings in parks.
This celebration is an official holiday in Persian speaking regions and some parts of Turk countries, and it is celebrated anywhere Persians live around the world. Even if you live in New York, you can find Iranians who are jumping over fires and everyone’s welcome to celebrate alongside them. Of course because of Covid, this year Charshanbe Suri is gonna be a small event in our backyards. So stay safe, and Happy Charshanbe Suri everyone!!