NoRooz (Iranian New Year) in 2008 – Part III

Following Part One and Two – Two noteworthy festivals take place, one before, and one on the 13th day of NoRooz.

Charshanbe-Souri (Red Wednesday Fire Festival)

A few “minor” events are related to NoRooz and take place just before NoRooz – More here – but Charshanbe-Souri is a more famous one.

The actual NoRooz ceremonies begin on the eve of the last Wednesday of the out-going year. Early in the evening of that day, referred to as charshanbe souri, The Wednesday Feast or “Red Wednesday,” several rather large bonfires are made; every member of the family jumps over the fire and says, “sorkhi-e tow az man, zardi-e man az tow,” which literally means “Give me your redness and take away my wintry sallow complexion). The jumping over the fire is followed by a get together in which nuts and fruits are served. This party is mostly for the benefit of the children of the family who are entertained, long into the night, with stories that they will remember with joy throughout their lives.

While the party goes on the fire dies out. The ashes are gathered and, as the symbol of the bad luck imposed by winter, are taken out of the house and buried in the fields. When the person in charge of burying the ashes returns and knocks on the door, those who are in the house ask, “Who is it?”  ”It is I,”  says the person returning.
“Where are you coming from?”
“From a wedding,” is the response.
“What are you bringing with you?” is the last question.
“Happiness and mirth,” is the response.

Only then the door is opened and the herald of the new life, who has warded off the bad omen and the evil eye, is ushered in.

Fire is of particular significance in ancient Iranian cultures. The charshanbe souri fire might have been related to the signals sent to the spirits of the departed to guide them to their previous abodes to enjoy the prayers that their descendants perform for their benefit. The fact that traditionally the fires were lit on the roofs of houses speaks directly to the necessity of the fire to be distinct and visible. More here – and here

Sizdah Bedar (13th Day of NoRooz)

The NoRooz ceremonies end on the thirteenth day of the first month of the new year. On that day almost all the people leave the towns and villages and spend a day in the countryside enjoying the beautiful weather that accompanies the change of seasons. During this outing the sabzeh that had been displayed and with it, all the sins, worries, and concerns of the past are thrown into running water. The New Year then begins with a fresh slate on the 14th day of the month.

With regard to the sabzeh, it should be noted that some rural folk might plant the sabzeh rather than throw it into running water. It should also be noted that one should not touch other peoples’ sabzeh on that day. Before the sabzeh is thrown, girls at the age of being married and unmarried women often tie the blades of the sabzeh saying, “sal-i digar, khane-i showhar, bachcheh dar baghal!” (Let next year find me in my husband’s house with a baby in my arms!”

I could have written much more, but for a somewhat summary, I think what has already been mentioned in parts 1, 2 and this part 3 suffice in order to give you a flavor of the more significant rituals, traditions and symbols of NoRooz.

Ultimately, it is said “may every day be a new day, and may your new day be victorious”.

Supplementary Part IV