Charshanbe suri, symbol of unity in Iran

 

 



The last Wednesday of the Iranian year known as Chahar Shanbeh, the eve of which is marked by special customs and rituals, most notably jumping over fire. On the eve of last Wednesday of the year (Tuesday night, Wednesday morning), literally the eve of 'Red Wednesday' or the eve of celebration, bonfires are lit in public places with the help of fire and light, it is hoped for enlightenment and happiness throughout the coming year. People leap over the flames, shouting: Sorkhi-ye to az man; Zardi-ye man az to (Give me your beautiful red colour; And take back my sickly pallor)

Another tradition of this day is to make special ajeel, or mixed dried nuts and berries. People wear disguises and go door to door knocking on doors as similar to Trick-or-treating. Receiving of the Ajeel is customary, as is receiving of a bucket of water.

In recent years 4shanbe suri has become a political statement a show off -if you will- of what's to come. The Iranian regime has alway been against this very festive celebrations. They try to persuade people that 4shanbe suri is woshiping fire or it's dangerous but the main reason is that fire and fire crackers are potential weapons against the bassijis or pasdars. The Mullahs know well of its devastating effects if they don't control it before it's too late. That's why weeks prior to every 4sanbe suri, the rhetorics begins and they ban fire crackers and designate special places for Bonn fires to be lit. These days mass executions has been added to the equation as well to scare people. Many are arrested on this night but it makes no difference and the next year people do it again. When your enemy targets your cultures, the response is to keep the tradition alive and that's what's happening in Iran.

 Happy Charshanbe suri and long live Iranian people's struggle for Freedom