Chaharshanbe Suri

<p dir="ltr">Chaharshanbe Suri (Persian: چهارشنبه&zwnj;سوری) is one of the most vibrant and energetic festivals in Iranian culture. Known globally as the Persian Festival of Fire, it marks the prelude to Nowruz (the Persian New Year).</p> <p dir="ltr">The name is a combination of two words:</p> <p dir="ltr">Chaharshanbe: Meaning &quot;Wednesday.&quot;</p> <p dir="ltr">Suri: Meaning &quot;Red&quot; or &quot;Festive.&quot;</p> <p dir="ltr">However, there is a trick to the timing! Although it is called &quot;Wednesday,&quot; the festivities actually take place on Tuesday night (the eve of Wednesday).</p> <p dir="ltr">Why is it Celebrated?<br /> Deeply rooted in ancient Zoroastrian traditions, this festival symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and warmth over cold. By lighting fires, Iranians bid farewell to the winter and prepare their spirits for the renewal of spring.</p> <p dir="ltr">Top Traditions: How to Celebrate Like a Local<br /> If you are visiting Iran during mid-March, you will witness the streets coming alive with fire and joy. Here are the key rituals you should know:</p> <p dir="ltr">1. Jumping Over the Bonfire<br /> This is the core of the festival. People light small bonfires in the streets and jump over them. As they jump, they sing a specific poetic chant:</p> <p dir="ltr">&quot;Zardi-ye man az to, Sorkhi-ye to az man!&quot;</p> <p dir="ltr">Translation: &quot;My yellow is yours, your red is mine.&quot; Meaning: You are asking the fire to take your sickness and pallor (yellow) and give you its warmth, energy, and health (red).</p> <p dir="ltr">2. Ghashogh Zani (Spoon Banging)<br /> Think of this as the Persian version of Halloween&#39;s Trick-or-Treating. Girls and boys cover themselves with a chador (or a sheet) to stay anonymous. They go door-to-door banging spoons against bowls. Neighbors fill their bowls with Ajil (nuts), candy, or money.</p> <p dir="ltr">3. Kuzeh Shekani (Smashing the Pot)<br /> In some traditional regions, people fill an old earthen jar with salt (symbolizing bad luck) and a coin (symbolizing poverty). They toss the jar from the roof to the street, smashing it to symbolically break the bad luck of the past year.</p> <p dir="ltr">4. Eating Ajil &amp; Ash<br /> No Iranian festival is complete without food.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ajil-e Moshkel Gosha: A mix of nuts and dried fruits believed to &quot;solve difficulties.&quot;</p> <p dir="ltr">Ash-e Reshteh: A thick, delicious noodle soup usually served to guests during the night.</p>